MELBOURNE, VIC—Shocking footage captured multiple Hawthorn supporters assaulting a 32-year-old man in the MCG stands following their team’s 51-point loss to Collingwood on Friday night.
The incident, occurring around 10:30 PM near the Hawks’ cheer squad section, involved three men in team gear pinning the victim in a stairwell, striking his head, kicking him, and attacking him with a rolled-up Hawthorn flag .
Key Details of the Incident
– Restrained Attack: One assailant held the victim in place while others struck him repeatedly, preventing his escape until security intervened .
– Police Response: Victoria Police ejected 10 attendees overall but noted the victim declined to file a formal statement despite reporting the assault. No injuries were sustained .
– Witness Accounts: Spectators described the violence as “disgusting,” with one mother highlighting her children’s trauma:
“I witnessed this with my family—it was awful. Hawthorn cheersquad unleashed and was disgusting” .
Broader Context: MCG’s Recurring Violence
This altercation adds to a pattern of crowd misconduct at the MCG:
– April 2025: Two men arrested for smuggling loaded firearms into a Carlton-Collingwood match, bypassing AI security systems .
– April 2024: Brawl in the MCC Members’ Dining Room after a teenager refused to stand for the national anthem during an ANZAC Day game .
– 2022–2019: Multiple fights outside the stadium after Collingwood-Carlton clashes and inside-stand brawls requiring police intervention .
Social Media and Community Backlash
Footage of the attack went viral, amassing over 130,000 views on X (formerly Twitter). Fans condemned the behavior as “insane” and called for lifetime bans, citing concerns about AFL matches mirroring European football’s hooliganism . Collingwood cheersquad leader Jeff “Joffa” Corfe emphasized the psychological impact on children witnessing such violence, urging the AFL to “stamp this out” .
Irony of Timing: Anti-Violence Campaign
The clash occurred during a match where the Federal Circuit and Family Court debuted an anti-violence video at halftime. Featuring Hugh Jackman, athletes Darcy Moore and James Sicily, and other prominent figures, the campaign targeted gender-based violence and encouraged men to model respectful behavior . Chief Justice Will Alstergren stated, “Men need to create change in other men”—a message starkly contradicted by the incident .
AFL’s Ongoing Challenge
While police deemed overall crowd behavior “generally pleased” among 74,000 attendees, the attack underscores persistent safety issues. Hawthorn and Collingwood will meet again in Round 22, raising questions about preventative measures. The MCG declined comment, citing an ongoing police review .
