AFLW star Maddy Prespakis backs Can We Talk? campaign

After a harrowing experience with body shamers, AFLW star Maddy Prespakis says becoming a parent figure to Sophie Cachia’s baby has put things in perspective.

AFLW star Maddy Prespakis says becoming a parent figure to partner Sophie Cachia’s children has been “really positive” for her mental health, six months on from taking a brave stand against body shamers.

Last October, in response to a “horrible message” she had received on social media, the 24-year-old lifted her jumper and pointed to her stomach in a powerful goal celebration during a best-on-ground performance against Gold Coast.

Reflecting on the incident in an effort to help others as part of News Corp’s Can We Talk? campaign, in partnership with Medibank, Prespakis said it had raised “a lot of self-doubt and thinking, ‘Do I need to lose weight?’”

Madison Prespakis of the Bombers celebrates a goal during the round six AFLW match between Gold Coast Suns and Essendonn Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“But, if it wasn’t for my body, I couldn’t do what I do on the field, as a big strength of mine is my physicality,” she added.

“After speaking out about it, I had a lot of really positive feedback and support.

“But again, there was plenty of negative backlash.

“I am feeling better, but I am a work in progress and am still sensitive to it.

“I’ve learnt to understand who is in my corner (to) lean on and listen to.

“The rest is just noise.”

AFLW footballer Maddy Prespakis with partner Sophie Cachia and Cachia's kids Bobby, Floss and Esme. Picture: Ian Currie

The people in Prespakis’s corner include Cachia – who the 2020 AFLW league best-and-fairest winner and three-time All-Australian found love with last year – and her children, Bobby, Flossy and newborn Esme.

Prespakis’s family, “in particular my nan, who cares about me as a person, not a footballer”, and dog Bam Bam have also been invaluable supports.

The gun midfielder described Esme’s birth in late January as “the best day of my life”, and says she continues to bring her “a lot of joy”.

“Esme is a good sleeper most of the time,“ she said.

“From around 7am to noon is the worst time of day for trying to settle her – obviously, she is a morning person.

Madison Prespakis of the Bombers. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“She seems to be starting to recognise voices and is moving around on her mat … starting to smile and using her hands.

“It is amazing to see her physically developing and changing.”

Prespakis – whose sister, Georgie, is also an AFLW star for Geelong – said becoming a parent figure had been a big adjustment, but ultimately one that came with “such reward” and “put things into perspective”.

“As an athlete, you can become selfish, focused on yourself and what you need to do,” she said.

“But it is not just about me anymore.

“Going to kids’ sport and doing all the little day-to-day things has been better than I imagined it could be.”

In addition to leaning on her support people and dog, Prespakis sees a psychologist once a fortnight, is in regular touch with her doctor and has developed a list of “non-negotiables” that have helped her look after herself off the field, and enhanced her on-field performance.

These include having “a consistent approach to my mental health”, keeping busy by having routine and structure to each day, doing things that bring her joy like hanging out with friends “browsing the shops, grabbing a coffee or going for a walk”, and “prioritising my relationship with Sophie”.

“She is amazing and I’m so grateful for what we have,” Prespakis said of her blogger-turned-businesswoman partner.

Deakin University researchers found last year that nine in 10 elite sportswomen had experienced gendered online harm.

Prespakis is sadly not shocked by this figure, but urges trolls to think about the person on the other end of their vitriol.

“As professional female athletes, we are always surrounded by it – people feel they have a right to make personal comments about you,” she said.

“At the end of the day, we are regular people doing what we love and have talent for.

“We are not immune to that constant negative commentary and feedback.”

Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, helping Australian families better tackle mental wellbeing. To follow the series and access all stories, tips and advice, visit our new Health section.

Originally published as AFLW star Maddy Prespakis backs Can We Talk? campaign