First a statue, now a film for AFLW superstar Tayla Harris

Tayla Harris is a juggernaut that shows no sign of slowing. The 23-year-old is now set to be the focus of a “gripping” documentary.

Tayla Harris is a juggernaut.

If you didn’t like the statue, you’re probably not going to like the documentary. But it doesn’t matter, because there’s a clear market for AFLW star and part-time boxer Tayla Harris.

In the mould of films like Bend It Like Beckham, Amazon is producing Kick Like Tayla, which it says is an “all access documentary giving a gripping account of the emotional, physical and mental challenges that AFLW player Tayla Harris faces every day”.

“This documentary celebrates one of Australia’s most recognisable athletes as she strives for sporting greatness,” a press release announcing the film adds.

“The series will explore what makes Tayla tick, her love of all sports including boxing and football, the impacts of social media, cyber-bullying, and sexism. Kick Like Tayla is the celebration of a once-in-a-generation talent on the rise, and will follow Tayla during the 2021 season, on field and behind the scenes, and include interviews with prominent figures both inside and outside the AFLW, as well as national and international fans.”

Tayla Harris and the life-size statue commissioned by NAB. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Tayla Harris has also embarked on a boxing career. (AAP Image/Scott Barbour)

Prime Video Australia head of content Tyler Bern spared no hyperbole, describing Harris as “one of the world’s most exciting and inspirational athletes of our generation”.

The film’s director Andrew Garrick was also glowing in his description of the 23-year-old.

“This new documentary will enable audiences to connect with Tayla, who is not only a sporting legend with a long career ahead of her, but who is also an unapologetic pioneer and a fierce fighter for women’s rights,” he said.

Harris said she was thrilled to show “what is usually a very private side to myself”.

“You will see what makes me tick, how I go about game day, cutting weight for fights and plenty more,” she said.

Tayla Harris marks the ball in an AFLW game earlier this month. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

There is a clear market for Tayla Harris. (AAP Image/James Gourley)

The decision to commission a statue of the Carlton footballer in 2019 sparked a wave of criticism, including from the likes of AFL legend Malcolm Blight who labelled it “ludicrous” and “mystifying”.

But the 23-year-old hit back about the decision to immortalise who spectacular high-kicking style, saying the statue “symbolises a moment in time that can be remembered as a catalyst for change, a stand against online harassment and a reminder to women and girls that we deserve these opportunities”.

Originally published as First a statue, now a film for AFLW superstar Tayla Harris