Magpies' McRae backs AFL stand on gendered violence

Collingwood coach Craig McRae has applauded a clubs-led push for the AFL to speak out and condemn violence against women. The AFL is considering the most appropriate way to address the national crisis during the upcoming round, which starts in Adelaide on Thursday night. West Coast chief executive Don Pyke made the initial call to the AFL, with clubs lining up to back the former Adelaide coach's proposal. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday met with state and territory leaders to discuss ways to reduce gendered violence. McRae called the crisis a significant challenge for communities across Australia. "We're here to represent our broader community and I'd like to think that we can role-model behaviour," he said at Magpies training on Wednesday. "Inside our four walls, we talk all the time about being a great dad, or being a great husband, or whatever it looks like for the community." McRae hailed Pyke's intervention as "great leadership" and said he had already discussed the initiative with Collingwood's chief executive Craig Kelly. "I spoke to 'Ned' (Kelly) about it this morning," the reigning premiership coach said. "We've got some things in the pipeline ... (Kelly) had a bounce in his step about things that we can contribute. "Well done to him and hopefully others can follow suit." Collingwood will face off against rivals Carlton at the MCG on Friday night. Established in 2016, the Blues have developed a 'Carlton Respects' program that aims to nurture equality and respect in schools, workplaces, and the general community. Carlton board member Patty Kinnersly is also chief executive of Our Watch, a leader in the prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia The number of women killed by intimate partners in Australia rose by 28 per cent in the 2022/23 financial year, with 89 per cent of all intimate-partner homicide victims being women, according to a report by the Australian Institute of Criminology. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25)