Williamstown CYMS Football Club has dumped former North Melbourne star Shannon Grant as head coach over his domestic violence history just days after appointing him.
The club on Friday issued a statement apologising for “the upset and hurt” that news of his appointment had caused. There had been backlash on social media after it was announced on Wednesday.
The Norm Smith medallist was sentenced to six months jail in 2018 over three separate assaults on his then partner.
The sentence was overturned on appeal and Grant received a two-year community corrections order, including 200 hours of unpaid community work.
CYMS said the club on Thursday night had agreed not to progress with Grant’s appointment.
“In particular, we are sorry for the hurt caused to victims of domestic violence,” the statement said.
“We wish to also acknowledge the wonderful contribution of the women within our club and we apologise for the upset this has caused. We are sorry.”
The club’s senior women and men’s players made a separate statement.
“The current players of the Williamstown CYMS Football Club would like it to be known we have asked the club not to appoint Shannon Grant as the new senior men’s coach,” it said.
“We apologise to anyone within the club and the broader community for the hurt that this has caused to any victims of domestic violence.
“Playing groups across all levels of our club have held meetings and decided that this decision was not consistent with what we stand for and we hope to restore the community’s faith in our values.”
For 24-hour support, call the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre on 1800 015 188, email safesteps@safesteps.org.au or visit safesteps.org.au
