A regional journalist has urged past and present players of the Red Cliffs Football Netball Club (RCFNC) to cease online mockery after a video surfaced showing players ridiculing her during their post-grand final celebrations. Allegra Thorburn, a journalist for Filming Footy, has been at the center of this controversy following a mistake she made during a post-match interview at the start of the 2025 Sunraysia Football Netball League (SFNL) season.
The incident in question occurred when Red Cliffs captain Vas Tuifao scored a goal after the siren, securing a one-point victory over the 2024 grand finalists, Wentworth. Instead of interviewing Vas, Thorburn mistakenly interviewed his brother, Peter Tuifao, who is also on the team. Although she reported the error to her company, the video was inadvertently uploaded and viewed by several SFNL players before it was removed.
Thorburn has since been the target of derogatory comments online, including sexist remarks, which she publicly addressed in April. She claims that in addition to social media jibes, she has been heckled in person by Red Cliffs players on multiple occasions. “Every single time I’ve been at a Red Cliffs game, I’ve had Red Cliffs players point to Vas and say ‘it’s Pete, it’s Pete’,” Thorburn recounted. “It was still happening in August, we were at The Office Wine Bar for drinks, and the Red Cliffs boys were together at a table, yelling across the bar at me while pointing at Vas.”
Reopening an Old Wound
The situation escalated when a Snapchat skit mocking the interview was widely distributed following the SFNL grand final, with Thorburn tagged in the story. The video described her as “f***ing stupid as f**k,” which she said was deeply upsetting and had a significant impact on her well-being. “I ended my night. I was visibly upset, and it ruined my night, it ruined my year, really,” she said, dismissing claims that the video was merely playful banter.
Thorburn emphasized that the ongoing derogatory comments have eroded her confidence, a crucial trait for her role as a journalist. “As a journalist, you need that confidence to be able to do your job, because otherwise … you’re useless if you’re full of nerves,” she explained. She argued that the persistent nature of the comments amounted to bullying, stating, “Bullying isn’t funny, when it happens this many times by one particular club. It’s too far.”
Thorburn, who played netball for Red Cliffs for five years, is demanding an apology from those involved in the Snapchat incident and from the club for allowing such behavior. “Red Cliffs preaches looking after your mental health, and I don’t think it’s OK that a club can preach one thing and then go and do something to someone so targeted, hurting my mental health,” she said.
The League’s Response
The SFNL has condemned the video, describing it as “unsavoury” and stating that it does not condone the actions depicted. “We have written and sent a letter to Ms Thorburn as a show of support and explained to her that the SFNL wishes to make it absolutely clear that we do not condone bullying, harassment, or any form of online abuse,” said SFNL executive officer Jason Torney. “Such behaviour has no place in our game, our clubs, or our community.”
Torney confirmed that the league has requested an explanation from RCFNC. “Once we became aware of the videos, we approached the Red Cliffs FNC and asked for a ‘please explain’ and sought a response as to the actions that they were taking as a club,” he added.
Meanwhile, RCFNC president Mick Smith stated that the accusations would be addressed internally and declined to provide further comment. The club has expressed regret over the attention the incident has drawn and confirmed that discussions have been held with all involved about the potential impact of such videos on those affected.
Implications and Moving Forward
This incident highlights the broader issue of online harassment and its impact on mental health, particularly within sports communities. Experts note that while social media can be a tool for engagement and celebration, it can also become a platform for harmful behavior. The SFNL’s response underscores the importance of maintaining a respectful and supportive environment for all members of the sporting community.
As the league and the club work to address the situation, there is a call for greater awareness and accountability regarding online conduct. The outcome of this incident could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, emphasizing the need for clear policies and consequences for inappropriate behavior.
Thorburn’s experience serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists and the importance of fostering a culture of respect and professionalism both on and off the field. As the story develops, the sporting community will be watching closely to see how the SFNL and RCFNC navigate this complex issue.
