The Adelaide Crows have condemned what they describe as "disgusting and disturbing" online abuse directed at club captain Jordan Dawson, announcing the incident will be reported to SA Police and the AFL's integrity unit following the club's semi-final defeat to Brisbane on Saturday night.

Dawson was sent a social media message containing a reference to self-harm, which he shared publicly on his Instagram account. Teammate Callum Ah Chee was also targeted, with the abuse directed at him understood to be racist in nature.

Club CEO Calls for an End to Online Abuse

Crows chief executive Tim Silvers issued a firm statement condemning the behaviour and pledging both support for the affected players and action through the proper authorities.

"We will provide Jordan and Cal with the appropriate support, as is the case when any of our people are subjected to online attacks and abuse," Silvers said.

"We will also be reporting these latest incidents to SA Police and the AFL's integrity unit."

Silvers did not stop at addressing the incidents in isolation, calling for broader change across society. "It's simply not good enough, and it has to stop," he said. "There's no place for it."

A Particularly Painful Target — Dawson's Personal Connection to Mental Health

The trolling carries an especially cruel dimension given Dawson's recent and very public advocacy around mental health. At the All-Australian awards — where he was named vice-captain — Dawson delivered a heartfelt speech touching on the subject, which had taken on deep personal significance following the death of his brother earlier this year.

"The mental health space is something new to me, but something I want to learn more about," he said in August. "I want everyone to know who is struggling with their mental health that you are definitely loved and that the world is a better place with you in it. You are enough. We all love you; you have friends and family around you."

The speech drew widespread praise from figures within the mental health sector, making the nature of the abuse directed at him in the days that followed all the more stark.

AFL Players' Association Backs Players and Club

The AFL Players' Association added its voice to the condemnation, with CEO James Gallagher describing the abuse as abhorrent and urging the football community to take the issue seriously.

"The last 24 hours is another reminder of the abuse, harm and racism our members face on social media, which is abhorrent, unacceptable, and far too common," Gallagher said.

"Jordan, Callum and the club have shown leadership in calling this behaviour out and bringing it to the appropriate authorities."

What Happens Next

With the matter now heading to both SA Police and the AFL's integrity unit, the incidents are set to be formally investigated. The club's decision to pursue the matter through official channels reflects a broader push across Australian football to treat online abuse — particularly abuse targeting mental health vulnerabilities or motivated by racism — as a serious legal and ethical matter rather than an inevitable side effect of public life.

For anyone experiencing distress, support is available through mental health services including Lifeline on 13 11 14.