Domestic violence offender quits high-profile role at footy club after just three days in the job: ‘This sends a dangerous message’
A convicted domestic violence offender has stepped down as club patron of a prominent footy club after just three days.
South Fremantle Football Club recently announced Rory Vassallo – the founder of Great Beginnings childcare and former owner of the Perth Heat baseball team – had been appointed in the role until 2028.
Vassallo was convicted of aggravated assault against his ex-partner following an argument outside her family home in 2022.
On March 21, the club released a statement confirming the father-of-two would no longer be patron.
‘Rory has been a long-standing and deeply valued contributor to South Fremantle, having supported the club over many years as a sponsor, board member and trustee,’ a spokesperson said.
‘The club acknowledges and sincerely thanks Rory for his ongoing commitment and contribution.
Convicted domestic violence offender Rory Vassallo (pictured) has stepped down as club patron of South Fremantle Football Club just three days after his appointment
‘The club confirms that it has supported Rory throughout this period and respects his decision.
‘The club reiterates its commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all players, staff and members, and looks forward to the season ahead.’
Vassallo felt the decision was ultimately made in the best interests of the club, before thanking the team for the ‘open and respectful dialogue’.
His victim said it was ‘deeply concerning’ that South Fremantle initially supported Vassallo’s appointment.
‘Even after criticism, the club maintained its position,’ she told The West Australian.
‘This conduct sends a dangerous message that domestic violence is not only tolerated, but that accountability is optional.’
Before Vassallo stood down, South Fremantle Football Club felt his conduct was an ‘uncharacteristic error of judgement’.
WA Football – which oversees the WAFL league – ‘strongly condemned’ Vassallo’s appointment, and urged the club to reconsider their decision.
Vassallo – the founder of Great Beginnings childcare and former owner of the Perth Heat baseball team – felt the decision to step aside as their patron was made in the best interests of the club (stock image)
Vassallo was convicted of aggravated assault against his ex-partner following an argument outside her family home in 2022 (stock image)
In 2024, a court was told the argument between Vassallo and the woman erupted over a mobile phone.
Vassallo had earlier picked the woman up from a party before driving to her apartment complex.
As the woman got out of the car, Vassallo chased her, grabbed her shoulder and ripped her handbag from her arm, causing her middle finger to bend backwards.
Vassallo then took her phone out of her bag before throwing the bag on the floor.
As the woman tried to retrieve it, Vassallo pushed her away, prompting her to jump into his car.
She then refused to get out of the vehicle until he returned the phone.
Vassallo’s lawyer, Mark Andrews, said his client never intended to hurt his former partner and the offence was ‘not indicative of how he treated her or all women’.
He was fined $1500 and granted a spent conviction.
