By Jon Pierik
Essendon star Maddy Prespakis has taken aim at body-shaming trolls — and the AFLW community has praised her willingness to be open on the issue.
Prespakis revealed she had received a “horrible message” before Sunday’s clash against the Gold Coast Suns, a game in which she was best on ground with 22 disposals, including two goals, in the Bombers’ nine-point win at People First Stadium.
Taking a stand: Essendon star Maddy Prespakis points to her stomach in a show of pride after booting a goal on Sunday.Credit: Getty Images
In a sign of pride, Prespakis lifted her guernsey slightly after booting a goal in the third term and pointed to her stomach, as she celebrated with teammates.
Winner of the league’s best-and-fairest award in 2020, she released a statement before the game outlining the personal pain she had experienced from a targeted message.
“To be honest, I feel very sad right now, for myself I have battled with body image and learning to love my body from a young age until now,” Prespakis, a three-time All Australian, wrote on social media on Sunday.
“Playing football is the game I love but body confidence hasn’t always made it easy with the view I have on myself, and that’s why I’ve worked so hard to be able to look in the mirror and love what my body looks like.
Dominant: Maddy Prespakis is one of the AFLW’s best players.Credit: Getty
“Yesterday’s horrible message has brought back A LOT of feelings I’ve worked hard to overcome over the years but with the best people around me right now I know I’ll continue to have the love from so many beautiful people in my life.”
Prespakis, through the Bombers, was contacted for comment. The Bombers said she was presently channelling her attention on a hectic schedule of four games in 12 days.
This is not the first time body-shaming has been an issue in AFLW.
Hawthorn star Sarah Perkins, a former premiership player with Adelaide, and a former Gold Coast player, has detailed the verbal abuse she has received, particularly on social media.
Since 2022, body-shaming has also been covered by the league’s vilification rules, alongside racist and sexist abuse.
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