https://footballqueensland.com.au/2021/02/25/retraction-and-apology-issued-to-fq-ceo-robert-cavallucci-and-president-ben-richardson-by-bonita-mersiades-in-settlement-of-their-defamation-action/

Tbh, it just appears that she settled so that she didn't lose everything. Considering what she stood to lose, it makes sense for her to settle and issue a retraction. It still all looks to fishy to me, but eh: just standard football politics in this country I guess.

Agree, deeper pockets wins most times in defamation actions. Also refer to News Corp not being sued for essentially saying the same thing.
In terms of it looking fishy, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, swims like a duck .........

On the other hand it might mean exactly what is said, rather than the conspiracy theory. Bonita was going to lose out because she got it wrong and egg on her face with her activism and self proclaim sherif of Australian football. She’d make a good Green Senator, 

Didn't Gleeson @ The Courier Mail publish first?