AFL Star Jaxon Prior Announces Engagement to Bronte Thompson
Essendon player Jaxon Prior and his partner, Bronte Thompson, have shared joyous news of their engagement, receiving congratulations from prominent figures across Australian sports. Celebrated swimmers, commentators, and a host of AFL stars have extended their well wishes to the couple.
The proposal took place at the luxurious Jackalope Hotel on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula. Prior shared the announcement through a series of photos capturing the moment he proposed, accompanied by the caption, “We’re getting married!”
Scandal and Celebration
This happy announcement arrives just over a month after Thompson was inadvertently involved in the leak of confidential ‘hit list’ material from the Brisbane Lions, targeting Essendon players. Prior, who previously played for the premiership-winning Lions before joining Essendon last season, was a subject of these leaked images. The photographs revealed internal notes detailing opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, which surfaced on a social media page.
The leaked documents included whiteboard notes from the Brisbane Lions concerning all Essendon stars ahead of a scheduled match. Notably, Jaxon Prior’s sole listed strength was identified as ‘Bronte,’ referring to his partner. Other players were also described in the notes, with former Essendon captain Zach Merrett labeled ‘selfish’ and defender Ben McKay noted as having ‘low confidence.’
Public Reaction and Club Response
The public reaction to the leaked list was largely critical, with many expressing dismay at the content. Online commentary described the notes as “toxic” and “sexist,” suggesting they reflected poorly on the players involved. Some observers felt that including partners’ names in such strategic notes was inappropriate and crossed a line.
However, a segment of supporters suggested the mention of Prior’s partner was an inside joke, given his history with the Lions. These fans proposed that the note might have been a lighthearted jab at Prior ‘punching above his weight’ when he began dating Thompson.
Club Reaches Out
Following the emergence of the story, both Lions players and coach Chris Fagan reportedly contacted Prior. Brisbane coach Chris Fagan stated after a match, “I spoke to Jaxon out on the field after the game, as did a lot of our players, and had a bit of a laugh and a joke together.” He added, “Remember that player played at our club, and players all know him, and we know his partner as well, and there was nothing bad intended at all with that comment, not at all, zero.”
Lions player Josh Dunkley also confirmed he had spoken with Prior post-game, noting, “He’s all good, which is nice. We love ‘Priz’ and he’s been at our footy club for a long period of time so it’s good to see him going well for the Bombers.”
The engagement news now marks a positive milestone for Prior and Thompson, overshadowing the recent controversy.
