A controversial signing at a country NSW football club has sparked national debate, with the player’s fiancée breaking her silence as criticism of the organisation intensifies.
Brodie A’Vard headbutted his former partner, Raychel Lewis, in February 2022, leaving her unconscious, bloodied and bruised.
Ms Lewis needed multiple stitches to her head and later said she moved interstate to “escape him”.
A’Vard, 36, was fined $1,200 over the assault. Charges of recklessly causing injury and property damage were recorded without conviction.
The passionate Australian Rules footballer returned to the headlines this week after signing with his childhood club for the 2027 season.
Jerilderie Football Netball Club, based in NSW’s Riverina region, publicly welcomed A’Vard back in a post highlighting his sporting achievements. The club also runs women’s netball teams and teams for girls aged 11 to 17.
The Daily Mail understands that several women and girls raised concerns about A’Vard’s appointment. Some reportedly contacted the club, only to have their accounts blocked and comments removed.
A’Vard’s return and the club’s handling of complaints have since triggered widespread discussion on social media, amid broader concerns about cultural issues in local football.
Brodie A’Vard, who violently attacked his former partner in 2022, has been warmly welcomed back to his boyhood AFL club, Jerilderie Football Netball Club
Raychel Lewis was hospitalised after being headbutted and hitting her head on the ground
After learning of A’Vard’s appointment, several women and girls said they contacted the club with concerns, but had their accounts blocked and comments deleted
“Girls spoke up about feeling unsafe and disgusted by this signing, and the response is to delete comments and turn them off?” one woman said.
“Silencing women doesn’t make the issue go away. It makes it worse.”
Another woman accused Jerilderie Football Netball Club of protecting its image rather than prioritising women’s safety.
“Tells you everything you need to know about how they’re choosing to handle this situation,” she said.
When the Daily Mail contacted A’Vard for comment, his fiancée, Kaitlin Link, responded by email and said he had begun a new chapter in his life.
Addressing the safety concerns raised by the women, Ms Link said she hoped her own positive experience as A’Vard’s current partner would also be taken into consideration.
“Brodie has been a loving and devoted partner to me, a committed father to our son Harvey, who turns two in December, and an amazing stepdad to my eight-year-old son,” Ms Link said.
“I can only speak from my own personal experience, but Brodie has never shown violence towards me, nor have I personally witnessed him behave violently towards others.”
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Ms Lewis’ dress after she was attacked by A’Vard in February 2022
After the Jerilderie club shared a post lauding his sporting achievements, A’Vard said it was ‘great to be back home where it all started’
‘The person I know is someone who cares deeply about his family and the people closest to him.
‘I understand that concerns have been raised, and I appreciate that these are matters that need to be approached thoughtfully and responsibly.
‘However, I am concerned about the potential impact this article may have on Brodie, our children and our family as a whole.’
A’Vard has also faced court on violence-related charges relating to a fight in a pub, the night before he assaulted his former partner.
The court heard A’Vard punched a man while he was ‘flat on his back’, as a fight between a group of local residents and visitors broke out in the country pub.
When the Daily Mail contacted A’Vard about the matter, his fiancée Kaitlin Link (right) instead replied via email to tell us that he had begun a new chapter in his life
He was later convicted of affray and fined $1000.
Ms Lewis, who said she was left fearful after A’Vard’s attack, told the court in 2023: ‘From his abuse it has caused me to feel fear, guilt, shame, embarrassment, self-doubt, insecurity, powerlessness and betrayal.
‘And although some of the physical wounds may heal, I continue to suffer emotionally, and this will have a lasting impact on my quality of life.’
The court was told A’Vard participated in a court program following his arrest and had gone ‘above and beyond’ to rehabilitate himself.
The Daily Mail contacted Jerilderie Football Netball Club about claims they had silenced the women’s concerns over A’Vard’s signing.
Shane Railton from the Picola Football Netball League replied and said the club had removed any comments that were considered ‘defamatory or inappropriate’.
‘Whilst individuals are entitled and encouraged to respectfully raise concerns regarding club decisions, neither a member club nor the league should engage in, or serve as a platform for the publication, discussion or public judgement of criminal matters or decisions made through the judicial system,’ Mr Railton said.
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