Female footy trailblazer Susan Alberti has jumped to the defence of Moana Hope following her spat with Mick Malthouse.

A war of words has erupted over comments Malthouse made at a function Hope was also a guest at.

She left the function after what she called “disgusting” comments about women’s football.

Ms Alberti told 3AW Drive she’d spoken with Hope since the incident.

“She’s a remarkable young woman,” Ms Alberti said.

“She loves the game, she’d play for nothing she loves it that much.

“Mo was terribly upset yesterday.

“What was she supposed to do? Stay on the stage and have an argument with Mick Malthouse? What would that have done for her and the audience that was there?”

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