Former Fremantle Dockers footballer Ryan Crowley will have to wait at least another five months before facing trial on a series of domestic violence allegations. The 41-year-old appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday, charged with 13 offences, including three counts of impeding another person’s normal breathing or blood circulation by blocking a nose or mouth and one count of threatening to kill.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred in Claremont, West Leederville and Cottesloe between 2019 and 2025. Crowley maintains his innocence in relation to all charges.
During the brief hearing, the court was informed that the trial is expected to last three days, with specific dates likely to be set at his next court appearance on October 13. This means the former AFL star will remain on bail until at least that date.
When approached by reporters outside the court and asked if he had anything to say, Crowley responded: “It’ll come, it’ll come.”
Allegations of Violence
The court has previously heard that Crowley allegedly beat and strangled his ex-girlfriend, Lauren Dunn — a former Married at First Sight contestant who has since become a domestic violence advocate — in a fit of jealousy, leaving her unconscious. At an earlier hearing, the prosecutor stated that a witness had expressed concerns after allegedly witnessing Crowley assault Dunn “to the point of almost killing her.”
The prosecutor also revealed that Dunn had received a message from one of Crowley’s friends, informing her that he had watched a “compromising” video of herself. “The accused has shown a propensity for violence,” the prosecutor said at the time.
Custody and Bail
Crowley spent a brief period in custody last year but was released on bail after his lawyer argued that he had struggled to manage his diabetes while on remand. His bail conditions remain in place as he awaits trial.
Football Career
Crowley played 188 games for the Fremantle Dockers between 2005 and 2014, before joining the Essendon Bombers in 2016. He was known as a tagger during his AFL career.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available. Contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential advice and assistance.
