Q&A: Tayla Harris, AFLW footballer & boxer, 23

AFLW footballer and boxer Tayla Harris on how she dealt with the reaction to that now famous photo.

Carlton AFLW star Tayla Harris. Picture: Josh Robenstone

A now famous photo of you in full flight, kicking for goal, attracted an avalanche of threats and trolling last year. You called it “sexual abuse” and the furore gathered worldwide headlines. You were applauded for your stand; there’s even a statue of you in Melbourne’s Federation Square. How do people respond to you on the street now?

It’s the best thing ever when a young kid, a girl or boy, comes up to you and they ask in a shy voice, “Can I take a photo?” I love that interaction. I understand I have the ability to influence people in a genuine way. Even those small interactions go a long way so I try to give the best of myself. I will always afford the time to people who make the effort to say a nice word. When that photo was up online I spent a lot of time going through those messages saying thanks to people who were supportive because I appreciate it more than anything.

Tayla Harris kicking for goal, March 17, 2019. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media

How did the reaction to that photo change your life? Well, it’s changed a lot in the past 14 months – and I feel it also sped things up in terms of opportunities. I am busier than ever. I’m not sure if it is entirely to do with that incident – I would like to think I’m a pretty aspirational and driven person.

What about the online trolling – has it dropped off? Things happen, for example that photo or when I missed a goal from five metres out in front, then it ramps up for a day or an hour and then it all just dies off because they’re onto the next thing they want to judge or troll. Things happen sporadically but there is a regular commentary around AFLW from people who don’t accept or don’t like it. That can be laughed off now because we’re four years in and we’re not going anywhere. People I don’t even know jump in and reply, saying: “Stop that.” People don’t accept it anymore, which is really cool.

Should you just ignore it? Of course you ignore the ones that aren’t worth your breath or energy – a young kid who says a couple of choice words, you just ignore that. But there was one the other day, some random fake account – they had a real go, something like “You hate men” or whatever. I just replied with, “Who hurt you?” They replied, which seemed genuine, “Oh my God, no one has ever asked me that. Thank you for asking. Sorry, I will delete it now.” I wrote back, “Cheers, have a good day.” I certainly encourage people to stand up for those being attacked on social media; you don’t go down to their level, but everyone knows how to stand up and support someone.

How have you spent lockdown 1.0 and 2.0? I have been doing lots of personal development, a course on leadership, heaps of life admin, sorting out emails... I made a YouTube channel and did a heap of videos for people to train to and to stay motivated. I am also loving training without the pressure of having a fight or a game. Just training for enjoyment.

What goals do you have for your boxing career? My ultimate goal is to win a world title. I am confident I can do that. The opportunity will arise and I will be ready for it.

And your hopes for your AFLW team Carlton? Winning a premiership would be amazing. I have been in, including local footy, nine grand finals and I have never won one. I am waiting. And I feel like I am the common denominator...

What has the work you’ve done in lockdown helped you with? Staying positive. The positive thing I have tried to find in this difficult scenario, with my family in Brisbane, is there is Facetime and everyone is safe in my family. There’s been some rough moments, like just wanting to go home for my mum’s birthday the other weekend. I have never missed one. But I have managed to remain optimistic and maintain perspective. My family has always lived and loved life to the full and we always try to find a silver lining.