THE AFL has added a female investigator to its integrity team in what CEO Gillon McLachlan says is a "significant step" in handling claims of violence against women.
McLachlan also said the AFL expected to complete by the end of the year a review of its processes in the wake of the off-season investigation into Richmond's Dustin Martin.
The Tigers handed Martin a $5000 suspended fine over an alleged threat against a woman at a Windsor restaurant in December. A Victoria Police investigation found no criminal offence took place.
"It's a significant step to make sure that we handle any allegation of violence against women or anything in that realm, (and so) that we have the right touch point," McLachlan said on Friday.
"That's a change that's been made in the last month and we'll continue to review those processes that we undertake."
McLachlan said having a woman as part of the integrity team would assist any future investigations.
"What we've been doing is making sure that the processes and the procedures for any similar allegation are the right ones," McLachlan said.
"I believe the insights and understandings of a woman being able to talk to someone of an allegation of this nature is going to be much better and easier in understanding the environment."
McLachlan joined forces with his counterparts from three other sports to throw the AFL's support behind the 'Our Watch' initiative.
McLachlan, Australian Rugby Union CEO Bill Pulver, National Rugby League CEO Todd Greenberg and Netball Australia CEO Kate Palmer were all on hand at the MCG to announce their sports' commitment to tackling violence against women and their children.
Injured Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy said it was an important cause to support, and all the more relevant after the AFL announced the details of its eight-team elite women's competition earlier this week.
"I certainly see myself as one of the lucky ones today to represent the 800 players in something that we're right behind and fully supportive of Gill and the other codes," Murphy said.
"Gill mentioned a lot of little moments create big change. This week there's been huge moments that we expect to relate into huge change."
