On the night of the 2024 Brownlow Medal presentation, Dee Salmin, a prominent Triple J broadcaster and co-host of the podcast The Hook Up, found herself at the center of a social media storm. Branded a “feminist witch” and accused of emasculating her partner, Collingwood captain Darcy Moore, Salmin responded with characteristic flair. She embraced the label, adding “gonad stealing feminist witch” to her Instagram bio and later channeling the criticism into her “sea witch” themed gown for the 2025 Brownlow, adorned with foraged glass from Melbourne’s beaches.
“I’ve been at the ABC for 10 years, so I’m used to being in the public space and getting some not-so-nice comments,” Salmin remarked. “It gives you a bit of a thicker skin.” This resilience has become a hallmark of Salmin and Moore’s relationship, as they navigate the public eye while challenging traditional gender roles and expectations in the world of Australian Football League (AFL).
Breaking the Mold: A New Era of AFL Couples
Salmin and Moore are part of a “new guard” of AFL couples who are outspoken on issues ranging from gender roles to fashion. The couple met through a mutual friend and made their first major public appearance at the 2023 Brownlow, eight months into their relationship. Reflecting on their journey, Salmin noted, “A lot of the start of our relationship didn’t involve AFL at all. When we realized it was something serious, we were ready to bring our ‘worlds’ into it as well.”
Their relationship has been marked by intentionality and a shared commitment to personal growth. Whether exploring secondhand stores or traveling to destinations like Thailand and Indonesia, the couple prioritizes quality time together. “We put our phones away, and we don’t go on socials, and we just read,” Salmin shared. “Those moments throughout the year are such a nice way for us to be really present with each other.”
The Road to Romance: From First Date to Living Together
Their first date was a serendipitous meeting after weeks of texting, culminating in an extended conversation over wine. “I told [my flatmate] that was the best date I’ve ever been on,” Moore recalled. Despite their busy schedules, the couple took a measured approach to their relationship, with both having been single for significant periods before meeting.
Salmin, originally from Perth and the eldest of three children, moved to Melbourne in 2019 to co-host The Hook Up. Her experiences have culminated in a forthcoming book, It’s Not Love, Actually, which she describes as a “part memoir, part manifesto” for Gen Z. “It’s a dating book encouraging women to work on themselves and stop settling for less,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Moore’s upbringing, shaped by his parents’ divorce and the influence of his three older sisters, has informed his perspective on relationships. “Maybe I’m a bit more of a realist when it comes to that sort of stuff,” he said, reflecting on the complexities of marriage and divorce.
Navigating Public Scrutiny and Personal Growth
As their relationship became public, Salmin faced trolling over her appearance and lifestyle choices, including their decision to live separately to avoid “hetero-dynamic learned behaviors.” Despite the scrutiny, the couple celebrated their third anniversary with a thoughtful gift exchange, symbolizing their shared journey.
After six months of discussion, they decided to move in together, with Salmin’s cat, Macey, joining the household. “We had lots of conversations about what [living together] would look like and how it would work, and it’s been really fun,” Salmin said. Moore, in turn, has been impressed by Salmin’s dedication to her work and her ability to engage in meaningful conversations.
“Given the nature of Dee’s job, she was so well-equipped to have big conversations very early on, which I loved,” Moore said. “It was kind of intimidating at the start.”
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Shared Goals
As they look to the future, Salmin and Moore are committed to using their platforms to address issues of masculinity and gender expectations. Moore, who holds a master’s degree in international relations, is keeping his post-playing career options open, while Salmin continues to engage with her audience through her podcast and upcoming book.
The couple’s journey reflects a broader shift in the AFL landscape, where personal growth and challenging societal norms are becoming as important as athletic achievements. As they continue to navigate their high-profile relationship, Salmin and Moore exemplify a modern partnership built on mutual respect, intentionality, and a shared vision for the future.
