What happens after a vilification complaint is received?

• Complaint made to the league or association (controlling body): as soon as practicable it must assess the alleged breach and then either start the preliminary resolution process (investigation and conciliation) or escalate the written complaint to the AFL and tell the complainant.
• Complaint made to the AFL: the AFL must assess it as soon as practicable, then either start the preliminary resolution process itself or delegate the matter to the relevant controlling body.
• Preliminary resolution: the person alleged to have breached the rule must be told and given a chance to respond, and reasonable measures are used to establish the facts. If the AFL or controlling body is reasonably satisfied a breach may have occurred, it may arrange conciliation where the AFL decides that is appropriate; otherwise the matter moves to a Notice of Breach.
• Anyone investigated must cooperate and answer truthfully. If conduct may be a criminal offence, the matter is referred to police.

Source: Handbook (February 2026), Sections 10.3 and 23.2.