Footballer who knocked ex unconscious welcomed back by boyhood club: Fiancée speaks out in his defence as backlash tears country town apart: ‘Silencing us won’t make this go away’
Brodie A’Vard’s return to his boyhood club, Jerilderie Football Netball Club in regional NSW, has drawn criticism from women and girls who say the appointment makes them feel unsafe. The debate has widened into questions about how local sporting clubs respond to concerns about women’s safety and community complaints.
A’Vard, 36, headbutted his former partner Raychel Lewis in 2022, leaving her unconscious and needing stitches; he was fined $1,200, with charges recorded without conviction. He was also convicted of affray over a separate pub fight and fined $1,000. Several critics say the club deleted comments or blocked accounts after they raised concerns. His fiancée, Kaitlin Link, said he has not been violent towards her and described him as a loving partner and father, while acknowledging that concerns need thoughtful consideration.
In short
- A’Vard’s return to Jerilderie has prompted community backlash.
- Critics say the club blocked accounts and deleted comments.
- His fiancée says he has not been violent towards her.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The club could argue that A’Vard has served his penalty and should have a chance to return to community sport, especially if the club has considered the incident and can put appropriate safeguards in place. His fiancée’s account of their relationship is relevant to how she views him, and the club may see a fair process and clear standards as better than permanent exclusion based on past conduct.
The case against
Women and girls can reasonably argue that welcoming back someone who rendered a former partner unconscious risks undermining their sense of safety and trust in the club, regardless of his conduct in a later relationship. They may also see deleting comments or blocking critics as shutting down legitimate concerns, and argue that the club should explain its decision and show how it will protect and hear those affected.
Explained simply
Jerilderie Football Netball Club is a community club in regional New South Wales, where local sport can be an important part of town life. Brodie A’Vard, who grew up playing for the club, was welcomed back after being involved in a serious assault on his former partner in 2022; he was fined, and the charges were recorded without conviction.
Women and girls have said his return makes them feel unsafe, raising wider questions about how sporting clubs respond to concerns about violence against women and community feedback. A’Vard’s fiancée, Kaitlin Link, has defended him and said he has not been violent towards her, while recognising that people’s concerns need consideration.
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