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Controversy erupts over Mick Malthouse's 'disgusting' AFLW comments

AFL coaching legend Mick Malthouse has caused a stir over a series of “degrading” comments he made at a function on Thursday.

Malthouse allegedly made unsavoury comments about the women’s game, prompting AFLW star Moana Hope to drop her microphone and storm out.

Hope, who now plays with North Melbourne, told the Herald Sun she was “disgusted”.

“He said that AFL was a man’s game and not a woman’s game,” Hope told the Herald Sun.

A war of words has erupted between Mick Malthouse and Moana Hope. Pic: Getty
A war of words has erupted between Mick Malthouse and Moana Hope. Pic: Getty

“And he said that on stage in front of 50 kids who had just played a boys and girls game of football.”

Hope was on a panel with Malthouse and Jason Akermanis when the incident unfolded at Mars Stadium in Ballarat.

The three-time premiership coach also added that women should be made to play a modified version of the game, which doesn’t include tackling.

But the definitive moment that made Hope drop her microphone and leave, was when Malthouse said if the proposed rule change to double the size of the goal square occurred, all players should “wear skirts”.

“I left after that I was so disgusted and drove back to Melbourne,” she said.

“He can have an opinion but then there’s just degrading and disrespectful comments.”

Malthouse has since hit back at the claims, suggesting the comments he made were taken out of context.

The 65-year-old has since said Hope’s handling of the situation was “very unprofessional”, and his opinion wasn’t interpreted as intended.

“If she cared to listen instead of looking at her phone for most of the event, she would understand,” Malthouse told AFL.com.au.

“Apparently she’s had a crack at me in terms of what I said about netball.

Mick Malthouse says his comments were taken out of context. Pic: Getty
Mick Malthouse says his comments were taken out of context. Pic: Getty

“(I was saying) the new rules are similar to netball, in other words, positioning. Not one word about female football, females or anything else.

“Unfortunately, she came with that attitude, she was very disappointing as far as I’m concerned on the panel.

“Had she listened, she would’ve been a little bit wiser.”

Despite Malthouse’s saying his comments weren’t meant to be taken as derogatory, Hope was adamant in her assessment of the situation.

“We’re in 2018, not in 1942. I’ve been told he was an amazing coach but I don’t think he’s much as a person,” she said.

“I will never be in the same room as him again.”