TABLE SCRAPS - THE AFL'S WOMEN PROBLEM
About
HOSTED BY RACHEL WITHERS, GUESTS THIS MONTH ARE MITCH BROWN, MARNIE VINALL, TARANG CHAWLA, AND A SPECIAL GUEST TO BE ANNOUNCED
Table Scraps is in between Q&A, and an on stage dinner party. A moderated series of conversations around a specific theme each month, featuring one host/moderator, and four guests. The guests are all from four different parts of the same industry/world, with either similar or opposing views. On the stage is a long dinner table, with the host/moderator in the middle, flanked by 2 guests, with the other 2 guests at opposite ends of the table.
Each topic of conversation is represented by a different course, (Apéritif (local interest topic, light, cheerful), Entree (National interest story), Main (Major topic, global potential), Dessert (Short and sharp lighter common interest topic), and Coffee and Port (Audience topic suggestions).
The AFLM has a woman problem.
The football world has once again been rocked by allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women, with five Sydney Swans players suspended after being linked to a police investigation into an incident at a Melbourne hotel.
Some may have hoped this kind of behaviour was a thing of the past, with clubs having invested time and money into respect initiatives — though clearly not enough. For others it comes as no surprise, given the culture of sexism and entitlement that has long pervaded elite male sporting competitions. The AFLW continues to grow in popularity, but the traditional "boys club" mentality persists in the wider industry, with deep cultural challenges to be solved.
Why is this problem so entrenched? How should the AFL handle allegations of violence against women, and improve respect towards women more broadly? And when will we as a society confront the culture of entitlement that leads to such behaviour and attitudes?
Hosted by Rachel Withers, (host of 3RRR's Spin Cycle, acclaimed writer).
THIS MONTH'S GUESTS FOR DINNER
Mitch Brown is a former West Coast Eagles player, and an advocate, speaker and leader working at the intersection of safety, inclusion, men's wellbeing and social change. In August 2025, Brown came out publicly as bisexual, becoming the first male player in the AFL's 129-year history to publicly come out as gay or bisexual. Brown revealed that the toll hiding his sexuality had taken during his AFL career, where homophobia was rife on and off the field.
Marnie Vinall is a multi-Quill-award-winning sports journalist, podcaster and broadcaster with the ABC Sports team. In 2024, she won a Quill for her reporting on the 2023 Women’s World Cup and in 2025 for her work uncovering discrimination and inequalities in women’s community football.
Tarang Chawla is a writer, university educator and one of Australia’s most prominent voices on men’s violence against women, masculinity and cultural change. After his younger sister Nikita was murdered by her partner in 2015, he co-founded Not One More Niki and has spent more than a decade working across media, government, education and sport to drive cultural and institutional change. A former Victorian Multicultural Commissioner and Carlton Respects ambassador since 2017, Tarang’s work examines how male entitlement, institutional culture and failures of accountability allow violence and inequality to persist.
PLUS A SPECIAL GUEST TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY!
TICKETING INFO
Please have a digital or printed copy of your ticket ready on arrival along with a valid photo ID. Acceptable ID includes a current and valid Australian Photo Drivers Licence, State Approved ‘Proof of Age’ card or Passport.
The Brunswick Ballroom strives to improve our practices when it comes to sustainability and to reduce our carbon footprint. We don’t sell or provide plastic water bottles.
VENUE INFO
THE BALLROOM MENU
You can view the delicious offerings available by clicking here. Please note, offerings available may vary per show.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Brunswick Ballroom is Accessible.
The Brunswick Ballroom has made significant improvements to accessibility by installing an Acorn Chairlift. (Model: New Acorn Indoor 180 Curved Stairlift.)
Companion Tickets Accepted
Accessible Seating can be purchased by entering this code before selecting your tickets: BBACCESS26
Accessible Seating ensures a reserved seat for both you and your companion.
Premium Accessible Seating ensures a reserved table and includes one complimentary meal for both you and your companion from our menu.
Companion tickets must be valid and will be checked upon entry into the venue.
VENUE FAQS
To find out more about the venue, FAQs can be viewed by clicking here.
