Melbourne runs through banner aimed at educating online bullies and trolls

Melbourne has sent a powerful message to online trolls before its clash with Essendon, running through a banner featuring nasty gibes aimed at them in the hope of changing attitudes on social media.

Melbourne players send a powerful message to online trolls as they tear through their banner. Picture: Getty Images

Melbourne has sent a powerful message to online trolls before its clash with Essendon.

The Demons ran through a banner featuring negative comments that had been aimed at them on social media.

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GAME TIME. 🔥#AFLDeesDons pic.twitter.com/kGOmuPrd8k

— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) April 5, 2019

Melbourne players send a powerful message to online trolls as they tear through their banner. Picture: Getty Images

Some of the shocking tweets displayed on the Demons’ banner. Picture: Getty Images

In a video to promote the initiative earlier this week, players read out some of the tweets including:

Nathan Jones: “Nathan Jones is a dirty dog”

Neville Jetta: “Neville Jetta is a scum bag! Cheap shot”

Tom McDonald: “There’s a lot of flog about Tom McDonald”

Max Gawn: “I’m (expletive) sick of seeing Max Gawn”

Great banner at the footy tonight focused on online trolls #grubs #AFLDeesDons

— Graham (@GrRi2) April 5, 2019

Well done @melbournefc for tackling online bullying. I’m sure all clubs and decent @AFL supporters are behind you. #AFLDeesDons #Reach #teardownonlinebullying #StopBullying #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/EwiRZUCivG

— Phillip 🇦🇺 (@RealLuckyPhil) April 5, 2019

The issue of online bullying has been in the public spotlight after AFLW star Tayla Harris and West Coast forward Liam Ryan and Adelaide’s Eddie Betts were abused on social media.

The Demons have dedicated tonight’s match to raising money for Round For Reach, an initiative by the Reach Foundation — established by Melbourne champion Jim Stynes in 1994 — to tackle online bullying.