Dustin Martin's AFL Legends Game Teammate Dropped Amid Indecent Assault Scandal

Former St Kilda footballer Stephen Milne has been removed from the 2026 AFL Legends Game following criticism of his selection due to his indecent assault history.

What happened?

Milne was announced last Thursday as a member of Team Victoria for the fundraising match at Marvel Stadium in August. However, organisers confirmed on Monday that he would no longer participate after his inclusion sparked uproar.

Why it matters for Dustin Martin

Dustin Martin, a teammate of Milne's in the AFL Legends Game, was set to appear alongside other footballers, including Campbell Brown, Dyson Heppell, James Harmes, Dale Thomas, and Jude Bolton. The removal of Milne from the game raises questions about the selection process and whether it prioritises the well-being of all participants.

What comes next?

The AFL Legends Game is an important opportunity to raise funds for prostate cancer care and research. The removal of Milne from the game may have a significant impact on the fundraising efforts, but the focus remains on the positive impact the event has on the community.

Milne pleaded guilty in 2014 to indecently assaulting a 19-year-old woman at the home of then-St Kilda teammate Leigh Montagna in 2004. The Office of Public Prosecutions withdrew three rape charges before Milne entered the guilty plea to the lesser charge.

The Victorian County Court heard the woman believed Milne was Montagna when the assault occurred in a darkened room. Judge Michael Bourke said Milne offended after the woman had clearly said no. Milne was fined $15,000, but no conviction was recorded.

Judge Bourke described the offence as an unplanned and spontaneous physical sexual act that did not involve violence. 'The evidence is highly persuasive that this offending was out of character,' Judge Bourke said during sentencing. 'You have been the subject of public scrutiny and public abuse. Your family has witnessed and been distressed by this.'

Milne's barrister, Philip Dunn QC, acknowledged at the time that the woman had said no, but argued his client had misread the situation. 'His recklessness was a misread of the situation,' Mr Dunn told the court.

The RED HEART Movement, which works with Australian Femicide Watch, was among the groups that urged organisers to remove Milne from the match. Its founder, Sherele Moody, said his selection should not have been approved. 'He should never have been platformed to play in the first place,' Ms Moody told the Herald Sun.

A post announcing Milne's removal attracted hundreds of reactions and comments, with many users welcoming the decision. One commenter, Donna Bennett, said the decision was 'a step in the right direction'.

The removal of Milne from the AFL Legends Game is a significant development in the lead-up to the event, which is set to take place in August. The decision highlights the importance of prioritising the well-being of all participants and ensuring that the event is a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved.

category: player_focus