Respect Off the Field: Why the AFL Grand Final is a Leadership Moment

This weekend, as millions tune in to the AFL Grand Final — Geelong vs Brisbane (Saturday, 27 September, MCG), Australians will come together to celebrate passion, teamwork, and resilience.

But research shows that major sporting events can also correlate with spikes in domestic and family violence (DFV). Not because sport causes violence — but because the emotional intensity, alcohol consumption, gambling losses, and entrenched gender norms surrounding big games can amplify risk factors already present in society.

As leaders, this is more than a community issue — it’s a workplace issue. Every act of violence has a ripple effect across organisations: in employee wellbeing, productivity, absenteeism, safety, and culture.

Learn more about our practical Inclusive Leadership Training.

The Evidence: A Sobering Pattern

NSW Police data shows domestic violence incidents rise by up to 40% during State of Origin nights.
Research by Berry Street and other Victorian services suggests a 30–40 % increase in demand during AFL Grand Final weekends, while Victorian Police have reported 20 % spikes in incidents on Grand Final day.
UK studies show 38% more abuse after a team loss, and 26% after a win.
Similar patterns have been recorded during Super Bowl weekends in the US.

These spikes remind us that DFV is not confined to the home — it affects colleagues, workplaces, and communities.

Why This Matters for Employers and Leaders

1. Workplace Impact

Domestic violence often follows employees into work through:

Increased absenteeism and presenteeism
Declining performance or engagement
Safety risks when perpetrators contact victims at work
Legal and reputational exposure if organisations fail to support affected staff

2. Cultural Accountability

Sporting culture often mirrors workplace culture — with similar risks:

Overvaluation of aggression and “winning”
Tolerance for “banter” or sexist commentary
Silence around mental health or relationship stress Leaders have the power to disrupt these norms through visible commitment, policies, and role modelling.

3. Leadership Responsibility

Workplaces are now recognised as critical settings for DFV prevention and early intervention. Legislation, such as Australia’s 10 days paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave, underscores employer obligations.

Using the AFL Grand Final as a Leadership Moment

This Grand Final weekend offers a teachable moment for leaders to reinforce messages of respect, safety, and wellbeing. Consider:

Internal Communications

A CEO message acknowledging the weekend’s excitement while reinforcing respect and support.
Share statistics on DFV spikes and promote confidential support services.

Workplace Supports

Remind staff of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), domestic violence leave entitlements, and safety plans.
Train managers to recognise signs of distress and respond sensitively.

Public Advocacy

Use your organisation’s social platforms to amplify respect and safety messages, e.g. “We love the passion of the AFL Grand Final. But off the field, respect matters most. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1800RESPECT.”

Partnerships

Collaborate with domestic violence services or campaigns (e.g. Our Watch, 1800RESPECT)
Sponsor Respect Rounds or community sport programs that promote gender equality.

A Leadership Call to Action

Leaders can transform sport’s influence from risk to reform by:

Leadership LeverActionPolicyEmbed strong DFV support and response policiesCultureModel respectful behaviour and challenge harmful “banter”TrainingEquip managers with skills to recognise and referCommunicationSpeak openly about respect, equality, and supportPartnershipCollaborate with prevention agencies and community groups

The Real Win

The AFL Grand Final is about more than who lifts the premiership cup. It’s about the values we celebrate — teamwork, courage, respect — and how we live them off the field.

Leaders who step up during cultural moments like this send a powerful message:

In our workplace, respect is non-negotiable. Violence has no place. Support is always available.

📞 Support Services:

National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Counselling: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Lifeline: 13 11 14