Grand final’s dark side: Women brace for violence

The grim warning comes amid an escalating national toll of violence against women.

According to Australian Femicide Watch, 52 Australian women have been killed by violence so far in 2026. It follows a devastating weekend in NSW, where three women, aged 23, 70 and 90, were killed in separate incidents within 24 hours, allegedly by men known to them.

In the Echuca district, police are preparing for a busy grand final weekend.

“Our priority is making sure people can enjoy the celebrations safely while ensuring we respond quickly to incidents when they occur,” Acting Inspector Damian Keegan said.

“Unfortunately, we also know that periods involving larger gatherings and increased alcohol consumption can sometimes result in a rise in family violence incidents and other forms of offending.”

But Insp Keegan stressed football itself was not responsible for the violence.

“Family violence is about power, control and a person’s decision to use violence or abusive behaviour towards others,” he said.

“Alcohol is often a factor in incidents that police attend. While it can contribute to poor decision-making and lower inhibitions, it is never an excuse.

“The responsibility always rests with the individual choosing to use violence.”

Research and family violence organisations have similarly warned that alcohol and heightened emotions can increase the frequency or severity of violence where abusive attitudes and behaviours already exist.

Insp Keegan had a blunt warning for perpetrators ahead of the weekend.

“There is absolutely no excuse for family violence,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter whether your team wins, loses, or doesn’t even make the grand final.

“What happens on the football field is never an excuse for what happens behind closed doors.”

He urged friends, neighbours, relatives and colleagues to check on people they feared could be at risk and contact police if they had concerns for someone’s safety.

For those experiencing abuse, he said police would take reports seriously.

“You do not have to put up with violence, threats, intimidation or controlling behaviour,” Insp Keegan said.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home, and police will continue to hold perpetrators of family violence accountable for their actions.”

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