sport news Why furious footy fans are slamming the AFL's plan to have every team take a ... trends now

Angry footy fans have blasted the AFL's plan to take a stand on violence against women, insisting getting every team to make the gesture this weekend is merely 'hypocritical grandstanding' and 'virtue signalling'.

The AFL has confirmed that before all round eight games, stars from all clubs will stand arm in arm to shine a spotlight on gender-based violence.

Players, coaches and umpires will come together in the centre of the ground to form a circle and pay a silent tribute to those women who have lost their lives, before an MC reads a statement to the crowd.

However, many footy fans have slammed the move, insisting that the AFL is being hypocritical as it looks to welcome back a player like Tarryn Thomas who have been found guilty of conduct relating to domestic violence.

'Nothing more than hypocritical grandstanding,' wrote one fan on X.

'Remember it's not just Tarryn Thomas who's committed violence against women. You've got media (Wayne Carey), other current & former players (read Night Games, Milne). There's so much within & around the AFL & footy culture. The AFL needs drastic action not just lights & hugs,' posted another.

'It's all grand standing ... don't buy it for second ! Tarryn Thomas will be back which is disgusting enough!' wrote another.

'And yet next year Tarryn Thomas will be back on a list, and the AFL media will trumpet it out on every platform and this will all be just another act of virtue signalling,' replied a third.