AFL integrity unit to investigate online attack on AFLW star Tayla Harris to identify perpetrators

The AFL has declared a war on trolls with the hunt on for the cruel antagonists who tried to bring down women’s superstar Tayla Harris.

The AFL has declared a war on trolls with the hunt on for the cruel antagonists who tried to bring down women’s superstar Tayla Harris.

A picture capturing Harris kicking a ball in all her athletic glory has been hailed an iconic image which the AFLW competition should adopt as its logo much the same as rugby league’s famous Provan-Summons pose has been immortalised on the NRL trophy.

But the image, originally posted by Channel 7, also doubled as a lightning rod for social media trolls who launched a vitriolic online attack which Harris on Wednesday claimed constituted “sexual abuse”.

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The Daily Telegraph understands some of the vile responses have attracted the attention of the AFL’s Integrity Unit which has begun the process of trying to identify the perpetrators.

Just like fans caught hurling racist or sexual abuse at matches can have their AFL memberships cancelled if identified, the trolls who abused Harris could also be banned from the game if investigators establish they have membership links with clubs.

Harris said she would also like the Victorian police involved.

The now iconic Tayla Harris image. Picture: AFL Media

NRL great Mark Geyer launched a crusade on social media grubs who wrongly linked his daughter in a sex tape in a potentially landmark defamation case, and now the AFL has pledged that faceless keyboard warriors will no longer get away with vile attacks.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan on Wednesday praised Harris for her courage and strength and declared the women’s game will not be dragged down by a minority of trolls.

“There is a minority of views in so many pockets of our game, but we are on the front foot and proud of what we’re doing and we drive forward,” McLachlan told The Daily Telegraph.

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“Obviously we are disappointed and think it’s unacceptable, but we don’t worry about that. We drive forward and issues like the last 24 hours help create the momentum and stamp out that mindset.

“People have got a lot to say and they need to think about that and be accountable to that.”

AFL investigators will work with Channel 7’s social media platforms in a bid to find and identify perpetrators.

Harris said on SEN Radio that action needed to be taken.

“The comments I saw were sexual abuse if you can call it that, because it was repulsive and it made me uncomfortable,” Harris said.

Tayla Harris speaks to the media about the abuse she’s copped. Picture: Jason Edwards

“That’s what I would consider sexual abuse on social media, so whether its Victoria Police or whatever it is need to at least contact these people or some sort of warning, Facebook delete them, something needs to happen because we can talk about this as much as we want but they’re not listening and they’re probably smiling about it, that we’re talking about it. So something needs to go further, I think.”

McLachlan conceded the online world was a murky one where unacceptable behaviour was difficult to eradicate.

“I think it’s challenging but accountability from the broader public is the best way home,” he said.

“We can have moderators and people deleting stuff and taking comments down but in the end the overwhelming show of support for Tayla and for our female athletes from the broader public is the best response I feel.

“(Tayla’s) strength is admirable and I think her response is fantastic. It’s a shot that I think says a lot about her and her response does as well.

“The response from our supporters and others has been fantastic in celebrating she is a great athlete.”