Ex AFL Star Ryan Crowley Accused of Choking MAFS Celebrity in Shocking Domestic Violence Case

Ryan Crowley, once celebrated on the AFL field for his grit and defensive prowess, now finds himself at the center of a disturbing legal storm. The 41-year-old former Fremantle Dockers midfielder, who played 188 games including the club’s 2013 Grand Final, has been charged with nine counts of domestic violence—a case that has rocked both the sports and entertainment worlds.

The alleged victim is Lauren Dunn, a rising public figure who recently gained national attention through her appearance on Married At First Sight (MAFS) Season 11. The two were reportedly in an on-and-off relationship from 2018 until 2023.

According to police reports and courtroom testimony, the alleged assault occurred at Dunn’s apartment in Claremont, Perth earlier this week. What began as a verbal dispute allegedly escalated into a brutal and terrifying physical assault. Crowley is accused of throwing Dunn to the ground, slamming her head into the floor, choking her with a pillow until she lost consciousness, and preventing her from leaving the next morning. He allegedly also seized her phone and laptop after reading private communications between Dunn and another man.

The court was told Dunn screamed for help at one point but was assaulted again before managing to escape and contact authorities. Crowley was arrested shortly after at Perth Train Station and is facing charges that include impeding breathing, deprivation of liberty in aggravated circumstances, unlawful use of a computer, and making threats.

Despite the severity of the accusations and photographic evidence reportedly showing bruising and other injuries, Crowley has denied all charges. His lawyer stated that the former player disputes the level of physical contact and will fight the allegations in court. Magistrate Adam Hills-Wright granted bail under strict conditions, citing Crowley’s lack of prior convictions and the length of time before trial.

He has been ordered to stay in Western Australia, report to police twice weekly, and have no contact with Dunn, who resides interstate but frequently visits Perth. Crowley will reappear in court on July 24.

Crowley’s once-proud AFL legacy is now under intense public scrutiny. The former Dockers Best and Fairest winner in 2012, and later Essendon player, already had controversy shadowing his career after a 12-month suspension in 2015 for testing positive to a banned substance, which he said was from an unsanctioned painkiller.

Meanwhile, Lauren Dunn, a public relations consultant turned reality star, had been gaining popularity for her appearance on MAFS, where she was briefly partnered with health business owner Jonathan McCullough. She had to take a brief break from the show due to surgery for a blood clot but returned later in the season.

As the court proceedings unfold, the case raises urgent questions about domestic violence in high-profile relationships, the pressures of fame, and the responsibility of public figures. The story continues to develop as both legal teams prepare for what is expected to be a highly publicized trial.