What turned Australian sport's WOKEST stars into social justice warriors

Australia's sporting fields have produced champions for decade after decade, but a new generation of athletes is now loudly championing causes in ways that would make them great candidates for the Greens at the next federal election.

They are speaking up about race, gender, equality, climate and culture, using their platforms to challenge old traditions and power structures.

Branded by critics as 'woke' and celebrated by supporters as brave, they have turned Aussie sport into a stage for social change.

From Pat Cummins' climate activism to Sam Kerr's advocacy for inclusion, they hope their voices now carry as much weight as their performances.

Darcy Moore, Collingwood Magpies

The premiership-winning Magpies skipper is one of the AFL's most openly progressive figures, often described as 'woke' for his public stance on social issues.

He was outspoken during Collingwood's racism reckoning, saying, 'We don't have all the answers… but it is our responsibility to listen and put pressure on so anyone can perform to the best of their ability regardless of their race.'

Moore acknowledged the club's duty to change, calling the 'Do Better' report 'just the first step of a long journey to educate, to be better, to do better'.

He views leadership as a platform for influence, explaining, 'I get to speak to crowds and masses of people most people never get to - I take that seriously.'

At an Indigenous healing ceremony, he reflected, 'Seeing the young ones here today was a reminder about the deep scar racism leaves.'

He also prioritises inclusivity within his team, saying, 'Making sure that young players feel comfortable to do their role … that's what leadership is about.'

Moore also hit out at fans who want athletes to 'shut up and play sport' when he proudly announced he'd be voting yes in the Voice to Parliament referendum.

'I’ll be voting yes. To me, I feel like it’s an intuitive next step and seems to be an important and practical way to help Indigenous Australians and recognise them in the constitution,' he said, adding that the debate over the issue 'hasn't really felt like the healthy discussion we probably hoped for'.

These values, inclusion, equality, accountability, are central to his reputation as one of the AFL's most socially conscious captains.

Moore's girlfriend, Dee Salmin, co-host of Triple J's The Hook Up, shares many of his progressive beliefs.

She has challenged traditional gender expectations, saying, 'I don't live with my partner and we both have different, independent, busy lives.'

She criticised outdated norms in relationships, calling them 'hetero-dynamic learned patriarch behaviours.'

When she was labelled a 'feminist witch' online, Salmin fired back proudly, refusing to conform or apologise for her views.

Together, Moore and Salmin embody a modern, outspoken partnership built on independence, equality and social awareness, making them one of the most openly 'woke' couples in Australian sport.

Sam Kerr, Chelsea and the Matildas

The newly reinstated Matildas skipper is unapologetically woke, using her profile to push inclusion, equality and social awareness.

She proudly said, 'Everyone should feel comfortable in whatever skin they're in, whoever they want to be, whoever they want to love.'

While leading the Matildas during Sydney WorldPride, she added, 'We're very accepting of everyone, no matter who they want to love, what religion they are, what race they are.'

Kerr has always linked football to visibility and identity, explaining, 'By being who I am, I hope that allows others to be who they are.'

She sees her platform as a tool for change, saying, 'Putting words into action and showing that football really is for everyone is really important.'

Kerr has made the Matildas a symbol of inclusion, where players can be open about who they are.

She told SBS that seeing queer players represented 'brings a deep and specific joy' to fans who once felt invisible.

Kerr's advocacy extends beyond sexuality. She has spoken about race and fairness, telling Reuters she felt 'powerless' and 'treated differently because of [her] skin colour'.

That came to the fore in controversial circumstances when she went on trial for calling a London police officer 'stupid and white' in 2024.

Kerr was found not guilty of racially aggravated abuse, and it emerged during the trial that she was angry with police for their inability to see past their 'power and privilege' when she and her fiancée Kristie Mewis told them they feared they were being kidnapped by a cab driver.

'They were treating me differently because of what they perceived to be the colour of my skin,' Kerr told the court. 

Pat Cummins, Australian Test cricket captain

Pat Cummins has earned the nickname 'Captain Climate' for his outspoken leadership on social and environmental issues.

He has never shied away from being called woke, saying, 'We're cricket players, but you can't leave your values at the door.'

Cummins co-founded Cricket for Climate, helping install solar panels at local clubs and urging cricket to lower its emissions worldwide.

The 32-year-old believes athletes should use their influence for good, saying, 'Every organisation has a responsibility to do what's right for the sport and for society.'

He has taken public stands on racism, admitting he once lived in 'blissful ignorance' before learning how deeply discrimination runs in cricket.

Cummins led the Australian team in taking a knee with the West Indies to show solidarity for racial equality.

He faced backlash for his views but refused to back down, saying he'd 'rather stand for something than stay silent'.

On the hot-button topic of holding Australia Day on January 26, he declared, 'I love Australia, but we can probably find a more appropriate day to celebrate it.'

He has also pushed Cricket Australia to align sponsorships with ethical and environmental standards, voicing his objection to a $40million sponsorship deal with Alinta Energy.

'I've got my own personal views so when it comes to personal sponsorships there are some companies I wouldn't want to align with,' he said. 

'When we're getting money, whether it's programs for junior cricket, grassroots, things for fans around Australia, I feel a real responsibility that with that, we're doing on balance what is the right thing.' 

Even his 'Howzat Pat!' children's books have a progressive message, with one revolving around a group of kids trying to raise money to install solar-powered lights at their cricket ground.

He announced the publication of Howzat Pat: Money Mystery by telling his Instagram followers, 'This is the third book in my Howzat Pat adventure series. A cool mystery all about fundraising, renewable energy and environmental care – all things I’m passionate about in real life.'

Critics have labelled him 'too woke,' but Cummins has remained unruffled by the backlash to some of his views, which has seen him slammed for campaigning for green causes despite driving a Range Rover SUV and flying first class.

His leadership blends conscience with competition, making values part of the team culture.

As he put it himself, 'You're always going to upset someone, but you can't check your conscience at the dressing room door.'

David Pocock, former Wallabies captain

David Pocock has been described as one of Australia's most openly woke athletes turned politicians – and the description fits him like a glove.

A former Wallabies captain, he has built his public life around climate action, equality and social conscience.

He once said, 'People say that sport and politics shouldn't mix, but I think it is important that sportspeople are interested in stuff outside of sport and talk about it.'

Pocock proved that belief when he was arrested during a peaceful protest against the Maules Creek coalmine in 2014.

He later declared, 'I believe it's time for direct action on climate change, standing together as ordinary Australians to take control of our shared future.'

As an ACT senator, Pocock has continued that activism inside federal parliament, famously saying, 'It seems like a pretty sad day in Australia where in 2022 we're still hearing arguments about climate science after all the bulls**t Australians have had to hear.'

Critics have piled on, but he's also been praised as 'the bloke who said bulls*** in Parliament' and 'a straight talker free from party politics'.

The 83-Test Wallabies great has also been praised for being prepared to oppose outdated views and inaction from both major parties.

Pocock has challenged conservative Christian groups on equality, saying, 'I get pretty annoyed with the Christian lobbies who say gay marriage destroys the family.'

He has also spoken on modern social issues, warning, 'Children are increasingly having a phone based childhood and missing out on key developmental milestones.'

Craig Foster, ex-Socceroo, football analyst

Foster is a former Socceroos captain who has become one of Australia's most outspoken analysts and social justice advocates.

Capped 29 times for the national team and once its 40th captain, he has used his platform far beyond football.

As chief analyst for The World Game on SBS and now a commentator for Stan Sport, Foster blends sport with advocacy for equality, human rights and climate action.

He has said, 'Australians have a responsibility to interrogate our own understanding, prejudices and institutions to bring to life our values of fairness and equality.'

At the National Press Club, he argued that Australia's refugee and Indigenous policies have 'twisted our own humanity and made us profiteers of suffering'.

He is also known for his blunt critique of empty gestures, saying, 'Whitewash, greenwash, sportwash – it's all the same.'

Foster led campaigns such as #GameOver to free refugees from detention and #RacismNotWelcome to tackle discrimination in sport, and sensationally resigned from his role as co-chair of the Australian Republican Movement in May last year.

Critics have accused him of being part of a 'woke onslaught' after episodes like his refusal to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla after being invited to a function by NSW Premier Chris Minns.

'Thanks Anna and @ChrisMinnsMP. But, no thanks. I look forward to being 'in the presence of' our first Aussie Head of State. When we put our big pants on, as a country,' Foster wrote on X.

Some media called his activism self-righteous, but many admire his willingness to speak when others stay silent, such as when he was barred from speaking to students at the exclusive Sydney Grammar school, reportedly due to his criticism of Israel's actions in the war in Gaza.

In defending his approach, Foster said, 'We are all equal and should all be treated with equal dignity, care and respect.'

He also reminds Australians that sport reflects society itself, warning, 'Australia must do better than we have in recent years.'

Usman Khawaja, Test cricket star

Khawaja has become a powerful and controversial voice for social justice within Australian sport.

He stated, 'One Jewish life is equal to one Muslim life is equal to one Hindu life and so on,' after being stopped from wearing boots bearing the slogans 'all lives are equal' and 'freedom is a human right'.

As the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia, Khawaja has used his platform to challenge discrimination and Islamophobia.

He explained, 'I'm just speaking up for those who don't have a voice,' when discussing his message in support of Palestinian children.

Khawaja criticised his sport's reluctance to embrace activism, noting, 'Sport and politics don't mix? I've seen politicians all over cricket my whole life.'

He called out double standards in cricket's governing bodies, posting hashtags like #inconsistent and #doublestandards after being banned from displaying his message.

The 38-year-old argued that governments and institutions ignore Muslim and minority voices, saying, 'It's amazing how one-sided the world is.'

Khawaja even met with Anthony Albanese to discuss the war in Gaza and gambling reform, pressing the prime minister to hit Israel with sanctions.

He also refused to do a post-match interview with Aussie media outlet SEN after it sacked cricket commentator Peter Lalor for his pro-Palestine views, and the International Cricket Council banned him from repeating his black-armband protest over Gaza in the Test series against Pakistan in 2023. 

Khawaja also had to tape over the 'all lives are equal' and 'freedom is a human right' messages he wrote on his shoes during the series.  

The veteran opener's compassion is deeply personal. When asked why he speaks out, he said, 'My heart can't take it when I see children suffering.'

Harry Garside, boxer

Garside, who won gold in the 2018 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, is known for challenging gender stereotypes, often wearing dresses and nail polish at public events.

He said, 'Boxing is a brutal sport, but I want to show you can still be gentle, kind and express yourself.'

Garside first gained attention at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he won bronze -  Australia's first men's boxing medal in 33 years.

After returning home, he used his platform to promote gender equality and emotional awareness in sport.

He explained, 'Masculinity isn't about how tough you look, it's about being true to yourself.'

Garside has openly discussed his mental health struggles and the pressures of traditional masculinity faced by male athletes.

He said, 'I want young boys to know it's okay to cry, it's okay to feel.'

In 2023, he faced legal issues after being charged and later cleared of assault, which he described as 'a difficult period that tested my character.'

Following the case, he returned to boxing and advocacy, continuing to speak on individuality, respect and equality.

He has also appeared in media projects focused on identity and self-expression, reinforcing his progressive public image.

Tayla Harris, AFLW and boxing

Harris was subjected to intense online trolling after a dramatic photo of her kicking a goal went viral and drew thousands of misogynistic comments in 2019.

She responded publicly by reposting the image herself with the caption: 'Here's a pic of me at work… think about this before your derogatory comments, animals.'

Reflecting on the abuse, she said: 'The comments I saw were sexual abuse… they were repulsive and made me uncomfortable.'

Harris has said the experience pushed her from simply playing footy to becoming a voice for change.

She was later named an ambassador for Our Watch, a national organisation working to prevent violence against women and children.

Harris has spoken about the importance of sport as a platform for gender equality, saying: 'It's the responsibility [of] this generation to make sure that this discrepancy between men and women isn't carried over into the next generation.'

She has also addressed the mental health impact of online abuse, noting that after switching clubs she received 'some pretty nasty and hurtful comments' that left her feeling vulnerable.

Her athletic achievements continue as she plays in the AFLW and boxes professionally.

Her advocacy work now stands alongside her sporting success, inspiring young athletes to speak out against abuse and inequality.

Harris has said: 'The one thing I want to look back at at the end of my career isn't if I kicked the most goals… it's that I was able to make a positive impact on people.'

Ashleigh Gardner, cricket

Gardner has emerged as one of Australia's most respected Indigenous voices in sport.

A proud Muruwari woman, she said, 'My culture is my identity, and I've always been really proud to give people a greater understanding of what my culture is about - its history, and how amazing and resilient our people are.'

Gardner spoke out when the Australian women's cricket team was scheduled to play on January 26, describing it as 'a day of hurt and mourning' for Indigenous Australians.

She added that for many First Nations people, 'it was the beginning of genocide, massacre and dispossession'.

Her statement helped spark national discussion about the role of sport in recognising the truth about Australia's colonial history.

Gardner has consistently challenged racism in sport, saying, 'There is nothing casual about casual racism, because over time all those small comments actually accumulate.'

She continues to use her platform to educate teammates and fans about Aboriginal culture and history.

Gardner's performances for Australia as an all-rounder have made her one of the country's top cricketers, while her advocacy off the field has deepened her influence.

She has spoken about the importance of visibility, saying that sport should 'represent everyone, not just the majority'.

Adam Goodes, AFL

Adam Goodes is one of the most significant figures in Australian sport and social advocacy.

A proud Adnyamathanha and Narungga man, he built a legendary AFL career, winning two Brownlow Medals and two premierships with the Sydney Swans.

In 2013, he was the target of racism during a match when a 13-year-old spectator called him an 'ape', prompting a national debate about respect and accountability.

Goodes said, 'Racism has no place in society, and I'm not going to stand by and let it happen on the field.'

He faced sustained booing from crowds across the country for more than two seasons after speaking out, a period he later described as deeply painful.

The AFL eventually issued a formal apology for failing to support him, acknowledging the harm caused by the treatment he endured.

Goodes said, 'I didn't retire because of football. I retired because of everything that happened off the field.'

His experience became the subject of documentaries The Final Quarter and The Australian Dream, both exploring race, identity and truth-telling in Australia.

Goodes co-founded the GO Foundation to provide educational opportunities for Indigenous youth.

He has consistently used his platform to promote reconciliation, equality and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

He said, 'I am proud of who I am and where I come from, and I'll always stand up for that.'