Annalise Dalins slammed for Anzac Day sponsored post ahead of AFL

Annalise Dalins, 25, who is engaged to Collingwood footballer Josh Daicos, sparked controversy when she shared the clip on her social media accounts, including the hashtag “ad” disclosure in the caption.

The video was in partnership with Australian fashion label Forever New and documented the 25-year-old’s process of choosing an outfit for the Collingwood vs. Essendon clash on Saturday, a game her partner’s team won.

Given the solemn nature of Anzac Day, the model’s post drew scrutiny online over the appropriateness of commercial sponsorships on a day of national reflection, with some calling it “tone deaf”.

The influencer began her “fit check” clip by saying, “As today is a super important special day, it all just hits a little bit different, paying our respects and really taking a moment to reflect”.

She then could be seen pairing a knee-length leather skirt with a brown V-neck knitted shirt with long sleeves.

Dalin then proceeds to explain that the warm weather meant she couldn’t wear the fluffy coat she had planned to bring that day, so she opted for a Collingwood scarf instead.

“I was planning on wearing this coat because I thought it would be freezing cold and it is like such a moment; however, it is so warm, she won’t be coming with me this week,” she said.

“Melbourne has really delivered on the weather; it is the most beautiful afternoon,” Dalin continued, before styling the look with a pointed heel to “elongate her legs”.

She captioned the post: “Anzac Day Football with @forevernew_official #ad footyfitcheck.”

As of Tuesday morning, the post on Instagram had received 117,000 views and 78 comments, and on TikTok, 39,000 views and 42 comments.

While most of the reaction was positive, including comments like “hottie” and “stunning”, some were critical of her decision to share the clip.

“Monetising a little fit check on Anzac Day,” one comment read.

“This is horrible and very poor taste,” another wrote.

As another said: “This is putrid. I thought you were going to reflect at a local Dawn Service lol, but you turned it into a day about dressing up for footy.”

Someone else also noted she didn’t choose to wear any Anzac Day memorabilia.

“I feel like she forgot the red poppy on purpose, as it didn’t ‘complete the fit’,” one claimed.

“You gotta be a special type of ignorant and out of touch to think this was a good idea or remotely respectful,” yet another wrote.

A post of the video on the social media commentary account The Para Social Club also elicited similar feedback.

“This isn’t satire?” one asked.

However, others defended her, saying it was her job to be an influencer and that it was unfair to expect her to take a day off.

“Good on her. It’s her job and she owns it,” one wrote.

Another echoed: “Let’s go after the one fashion influencer who actually acknowledges Anzac Day to her young followers. Surely there are bigger fish to fry? At least she didn’t boo at The Dawn Service …”

“I don’t see what’s wrong with it,” another admitted.

Dalins and Forever New have been contacted for comment.

Dalins and Daicos have been together for approximately three years, after first connecting on Instagram and later meeting in person.

They got engaged in September 2024 while on holiday in Greece, and Daicos shared a joint message with both of their Instagram audiences, captioned: “The happiest day of our lives. My girl for a lifetime.”

The popular pair have become one of the AFL’s “it” couples over the past few years.

Dalins is a former Miss Universe Australia runner-up and works as a model while studying commerce.

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