Unplug24: AFL stars open up about social media trolls

AFL star Brayden Maynard reveals the most common reason why social media trolls target him as he and teammate Tom Mitchell make a heartfelt pledge after an unthinkable tragedy.

AFL star Brayden Maynard may be a Premiership winner, but it has not spared him from trolls on social media.

The Collingwood defender said the most common reason for hateful messages, however irrational, is if he’s been part of someone’s multi bet and been the reason they’ve lost.

“They might hit me up on Instagram or social media saying I’m pathetic, I’m no good at what I do,” the 28-year-old said.

“It does get a bit rough and it can get a little bit scary sometimes on social media after football games so that’s why you’ve just got to not look at the comments and have all the right settings in place to try and stop those comments.

“It can make you feel a little bit upset when you’re already down on confidence, especially after a loss. People just don’t realise and understand the damage that they’re doing.”

Collingwood AFL player Brayden Maynard. Picture: Mark Stewart

Personal experience of trolling is one of the reasons why Maynard and his teammate and Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell have pledged to boycott social media for 24 hours on October 24, to raise awareness of the dangers of being online and the benefits of switching off.

They also want to support the family of Mac Holdsworth, who took his life aged 17, after being sextorted by a scammer using a fake social media account.

Unplug 24 is a campaign and national day of action Aussies can join to stay off social media for 24 hours.

News Corp Australia and Mac’s dad Wayne, who runs a suicide prevention charity called SmackTalk, have teamed up to promote the social media blackout day called Unplug24.

His dad said Mac was “never the same” after the scam. The date October 24, will mark the first anniversary of his death.

Wayne Holdsworth and daughter Daisy, 15, with Shandy the dog, at home in Melbourne. Picture: Jason Edwards

Other sports stars pledging to a day of social media silence are rugby league legend Corey Parker, Opals Alice Kunek and Bec Cole, as well as basketball legends Shane Heal and David Andersen, a four-time Olympian with the Boomers.

Unplug24: What the national day of action is and how you can get involved

FOX AFL presenter Sarah Jones said she was backing the campaign for her kids’ sake.

“As a mum of two young girls I’m terrified about the lure of social media during their vulnerable teenage years,” she said.

“I desperately hope legislation comes in to delay when they’re allowed to access it. Our kids health and well-being has to be our number one priority”

Sarah Jones, Fox Footy presenter. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Maynard said he was excited to be part of Unplug24 and to have a good excuse to switch off.

“You don’t realise how much you’re actually on your phone and how much better you feel when you do put your phone down and just escape social media and all the rubbish that comes with it,” Maynard said.

Mitchell, who is a good friend of Mac’s brother Joss, attended the funeral last year after the teenager’s sudden death.

He said while going without social media might be a challenge it is a “small sacrifice to make change and have a conversation that could have an impact”.

Tom Mitchell. Picture: Mark Stewart

He said getting away from the noise on social media is good for everyone’s mental health.

“I think there’s only good things that come if you switch off,” Mitchell said.

He makes an effort every day to have screen-free time, and will leave his mobile phone behind when he walks the dog.

“Everyone is probably slightly addicted to their phones, so switching off for 24 hours is going to be really beneficial,” Mitchell said.

If you need support call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Unplug24: AFL stars open up about social media trolls