De Vanna told News Corp she believed there was a toxic culture within the sport and alleged she was a victim of abuse,claiming to have been sexually harassed by older teammates when she was 17. De Vanna described a series of incidents in team environments,including one where she had to fight off teammates who set upon her.
“I was pulled down from behind and dry-humped by a few of my teammates. I fought my way off the floor kicking and screaming. They thought it was funny,” De Vanna said. “I was just a young kid from Perth,I didn’t know any different. I lost my shit and wanted to punch them.”
De Vanna also detailed incidents of sexual harassment that occurred in a shower where she alleges she received unwanted advances from other players. TheSydney Morning Herald andThe Age have sought comment from De Vanna on Tuesday night.
On Saturday,De Vanna tweeted about witnessing abuse in women’s football,suggesting she had seen women protecting other women who abused females in the game as well as organisations protecting coaches and players who abused female players.
Football Australia recently received a complaint from De Vanna and the organisation intends to meet with the former Matilda again. However,in a statement released on Tuesday night,Football Australia claim some of the allegations made by De Vanna in the interview with News Corp were not included in her complaint.
Football Australia invited any other players,coaches,past or present to come forward if they have experienced similar abuse as alleged by De Vanna and confirmed they have spoken with Sport Integrity Australia ahead of an independent investigation.