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The Line: Dangerfield talks real courage

Patrick Dangerfield is regarded as one of the AFL’s bravest and most brilliant players.

But the Adelaide Crows midfielder has a different opinion on what makes a man courageous.

“I think the real courage is in saying, ‘No’. If you hear it, not just discounting it, actually having the bravery to say ‘No, that’s not ok – that’s unacceptable behaviour, and I won’t stand for it’.” – Patrick dangerfield

Dangerfield, along with Marcus Bontempelli and Shaun Burgoyne, has been announced as an ambassador for The Line, a national campaign aimed at encouraging young people to challenge attitudes and behaviours, to help end violence against women.

Through a partnership with violence prevention agency, Our Watch, the AFL Players’ Association will support The Line campaign to help 12-20-year-olds identify and call out behaviours that ‘cross the line’.

“I think the real courage is in saying, ‘No’,” Dangerfield said.

“If you hear it, not just discounting it, actually having the bravery to say ‘No, that’s not ok – that’s unacceptable behaviour, and I won’t stand for it’.”

With personal ties to the cause, Dangerfield, Bontempelli and Burgoyne have each shared their story in a video series encouraging young people to build and maintain healthy, equal and respectful relationships.

Our Watch Chair, Natasha Stott Despoja, said the partnership is an important addition to The Line campaign.

“Partnering with the AFL Players’ Association and player ambassadors such as Marcus, Patrick and Shaun, we are able to provide young Australians with important messages to reject violence-supportive attitudes and behaviours,” she said.

“By challenging gender inequality and gender stereotypes through The Line, we hope to encourage respectful relationships and eliminate violence against women and their children.”

VIDEO: Watch Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli discuss the shocking domestic violence statistics.

VIDEO: Watch Hawthorn star Shaun Burgoyne urge young men to speak up in a bid to put an end to domestic violence.

For more information visit www.theline.org.au.