A former Brisbane Lions reserve player who joined the Sandgate Hawks in 2025 has been sentenced after pleading guilty to domestic violence and drug offences.
Aden Rutledge, 30, appeared in Brisbane Supreme Court where he pleaded guilty to one count each of entering a dwelling, burglary, and threatening violence as domestic violence offences, and one count of possessing methamphetamine.
According to the crown prosecutor, the court heard that on 6 April 2024, Rutledge entered a residence. An argument ensued during which he allegedly raised a baseball bat while the complainant and her friend yelled at him to leave the house.
The court heard the complainant was mobility-impaired at the time of the incident. The crown prosecutor told the court that Rutledge then allegedly jumped next to the complainant and made threatening statements, before taking her phone.
Justice Michael Copley confirmed during proceedings that Rutledge had no criminal history associated with firearms.
Rutledge was released on parole after serving 85 days in pre-sentence custody.
The Sandgate Hawks signed Rutledge to their squad in March 2025. According to the club’s Instagram account at the time, they were welcoming his return to the sport after several years away from football.
Photo Credit: Australian Football League
According to the Australian Football League website, Rutledge was a 2013 draft prospect who had regularly played in the Brisbane Lions reserves for two seasons by that time. By 2013, he had represented Queensland twice at the Under-18 National Championships.
Published 3-February-2026
