WARNING: Some content may be distressing for readers
A former Melbourne Demons rookie has launched a lawsuit against the AFL with bombshell allegations he was raped as a teenage footballer.
Daniel Hayes has filed documents with Victorian Supreme Court seeking damages from the league and former elite junior coach Mark Heaney.
The 34-year-old Indigenous man alleges he was raped by Heaney while attending a barbecue at Heaney’s house in 2015. Hayes alleges Heaney — the AFL’s Northern New South Wales regional manager between 2009 and 2013 — got him drunk before he was sexually assaulted.
Heaney was Hayes’ assistant coach at the Eastern Ranges during the 2005 season.
Hayes claims the AFL — as operator of the Eastern Ranges football club at the time — failed in its duty of care to protect him.
Victoria Police have said an investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
Heaney has publicly denied the claims. No charges have been laid.
Heaney has responded to the allegations, telling the ABC: “I deny that. I had a professional relationship with him as a trainee and player”.
Hayes, however, has now spoken out for the first time, telling 9News he walked out on his dream because of the ongoing trauma.
“I hit rock bottom, I’ve got five kids who I don’t see,” he said.
He also said: “It derailed everything, I walked out of my dream.”
Hayes was drafted by the Melbourne Demons during the 2006 AFL rookie draft in December that year, but was delisted by the football club in his first season without playing a senior game of football.
Hayes admits he repeatedly skipped training sessions.
The court documents filed in the Victorian Supreme Court allege Hayes turned to drugs and alcohol to cope.
He says in the documents filed by his lawyers he also attempted suicide as a result of the alleged incident.
“As a result of the abuse, (Hayes) self-medicated with drugs and alcohol. He has made three suicide attempts,” the documents state.
His lawyer Aleksandar Dukovski said Hayes would have continued his football career with the Melbourne Demons if not for the alleged rape.
“The AFL had a duty of care to protect Daniel and a duty of care to make sure he was safe while trusting them to help him through his professional career,” Dukovski told Nine.
Heaney was in 2014 sentenced to serve a 12-month prison sentence after he was found guilty of sending nude photos to a 13-year-old footballer.
One picture showed Heaney lying down naked with one hand over his penis, according to the boy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact:
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
24-hour Emergency Accommodation helpline on 1800 800 588
Safe At Home helpline on 1800 633 937
National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULLSTOP (1800 385 578). They also have a specific line for the LGBTIQA+ community called the Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline on 1800 497 212
SHE (free and confidential counselling and support) on 6278 9090
Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1811, or after hours 6231 1817
Family Violence Crisis and Support Service on 1800 608 122
Bravehearts – Sexual Assault Support for Children on 1800 BRAVE 1
Kids Helpline is for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 551 800
Don‘t go it alone. Please reach out for help by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14
Men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, should contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or theDon’t Become That Man helpline on 1300 243 413.
