Footballer who knocked ex unconscious welcomed back by boyhood club: Fiancée speaks out in his defence as backlash tears country town apart: 'Silencing us won't make this go away'

A controversial appointment at a country NSW football club has become a national talking point, with the fiancée of the player at the centre of the storm breaking her silence as the club faces mounting criticism.

Brodie A'Vard headbutted his ex-partner Raychel Lewis in February 2022, knocking her unconscious and leaving her bloodied and bruised.

Ms Lewis required multiple stitches to her head and said she moved interstate to 'escape him'.

A'Vard, 36, was fined $1,200 for the assault, with charges of recklessly causing injury and property damage recorded without conviction.

The avid Australian Rulesfootballer made headlines again this week after signing with his childhood club for the 2027 season.

Jerilderie Football Netball Club in NSW's Riverina region – which also operates netball teams for women and girls aged 11 to 17 – publicly welcomed A'Vard back in a post praising his sporting achievements.

The Daily Mail understands that several women and girls voiced concerns about A'Vard's appointment, contacting the club only to find their accounts blocked and comments deleted.

Meanwhile, questions about A'Vard's return to the team and the club's response to community complaints are being widely debated on social media, amid broader concerns about cultural issues in local football.

Brodie A'Vard, who violently attacked his former partner in 2022, has been warmly welcomed back to his boyhood AFL club, Jerilderie Football Netball Club

Raychel Lewis was hospitalised after being headbutted and hitting her head on the ground

After seeing news of A'Vard's appointment, several women and girls said they contacted the club with their concerns, but had their accounts blocked and comments deleted

'Girls spoke up about feeling unsafe and disgusted by this signing and the response is to delete comments and turn them off?' one woman said.

'Silencing women doesn't make the issue go away. It makes it worse.'

Another woman accused the Jerilderie club of protecting their own image instead of prioritising women's safety.

'Tells you everything you need to know about how they're choosing to handle this situation,' she said.

When the Daily Mail contacted A'Vard about the matter, his fiancée Kaitlin Link instead replied via email to tell us that he had begun a new chapter in his life.

Referencing the safety concerns raised by the women, Ms Link said she also hoped her positive experience as A'Vard's current partner would be considered.

'Brodie has been a loving and devoted partner to me, a committed father to our son Harvey, who turns two in December, and an amazing stepdad to my eight-year-old son,' Ms Link said.

'I can only speak from my own personal experience, but Brodie has never shown violence towards me, nor have I personally witnessed him behave violently towards others.

Ms Lewis' dress after she was attacked by A'Vard in February 2022

After the Jerilderie club shared a post lauding his sporting achievements, A'Vard said it was 'great to be back home where it all started'

'The person I know is someone who cares deeply about his family and the people closest to him.

'I understand that concerns have been raised, and I appreciate that these are matters that need to be approached thoughtfully and responsibly.

'However, I am concerned about the potential impact this article may have on Brodie, our children and our family as a whole.'

A'Vard has also faced court on violence-related charges relating to a fight in a pub, the night before he assaulted his former partner.

The court heard A'Vard punched a man while he was 'flat on his back', as a fight between a group of local residents and visitors broke out in the country pub.

When the Daily Mail contacted A'Vard about the matter, his fiancée Kaitlin Link (right) instead replied via email to tell us that he had begun a new chapter in his life

He was later convicted of affray and fined $1000.

Ms Lewis, who said she was left fearful after A'Vard's attack, told the court in 2023: 'From his abuse it has caused me to feel fear, guilt, shame, embarrassment, self-doubt, insecurity, powerlessness and betrayal.

'And although some of the physical wounds may heal, I continue to suffer emotionally, and this will have a lasting impact on my quality of life.'

The court was told A'Vard participated in a court program following his arrest and had gone 'above and beyond' to rehabilitate himself.

The Daily Mail contacted Jerilderie Football Netball Club about claims they had silenced the women's concerns over A'Vard's signing.

Shane Railton from the Picola Football Netball League replied and said the club had removed any comments that were considered 'defamatory or inappropriate'.

'Whilst individuals are entitled and encouraged to respectfully raise concerns regarding club decisions, neither a member club nor the league should engage in, or serve as a platform for the publication, discussion or public judgement of criminal matters or decisions made through the judicial system,' Mr Railton said.

Do you know more? Email tips@dailymail.com.au

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14

Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491