Overview
- Jordan Dawson posted a screenshot of an Instagram direct message that referenced self‑harm after the Crows' semi‑final loss on Saturday, and the Adelaide Crows said they reported the message to South Australia Police and the AFL integrity unit.
- The club said teammate Callum Ah Chee also received online abuse that is understood to be racist and that both incidents will be raised with the league while players are offered support.
- Television outlet 7NEWS publicly confronted an individual named Stuart Rocke who was identified by Dawson as the sender; Rocke apologised when questioned on camera and the matter remains under investigation.
- The AFL Players Association told media that online abuse is widespread, reporting that 66% of AFL players and 31% of AFLW players experienced online abuse in the past 12 months with Indigenous and culturally diverse players facing higher rates of racism.
- Dawson has been a prominent mental‑health advocate after his brother's death this year, and the case could prompt police and the AFL to press platforms for tougher responses while clubs expand support for players who face regular online harassment.