AFLDD says there's no place in game for 'trolls'

AFLW takes a stand against sexist comments after posting image of Carlton star Tayla Harris

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 17: Tayla Harris of the Blues kicks the ball during the 2019 NAB AFLW Round 07 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Carlton Blues at VU Whitten Oval on March 17, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media). Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media

AFLW: Tuesday, March 19 will prove to be a turning point for the AFLW.

It is the day the AFLW and its fans decided they would not stand by while one of their stars was victimised and abused.

Carlton AFLW star Tayla Harris was the victim of vile and disgusting comments when 7AFL posted an image of her loading up a drop punt.

The media organisation removed the image from its social media page before re-publishing it with an apology later that night.

It was a decision that has earned praise from the community - including AFLDD regional manager Jeff Neumann.

"It's fantastic to see such a powerful and inspiring image out there,” Neumann said.

"Talya is a Queenslander and I know locally a lot young girls and boys look up to her.

"They admire her talent and skill and that type of image captures all that.

"The AFLW has had a massive impact on the game locally - particularly when the Brisbane Lions women had that early success - it has really helped grow the game.

"These types of images are a great way to promote the sport, to inspire that next generation of players, by further highlighting the pathways available to them.”

On the local front, Neumann said the AFLDD had not had to deal with any "incidents” but would move quickly if anything was reported.

"Thankfully we have not had to deal with anything like this locally,” he said

"We're proud of the strength of our women's competition and the community that supports it is very positive.

"We do have well established policies and guidelines about this type of behaviour, though.

"If something were reported we would act quickly in line with those policies. There's no place for it in the game.”

Originally published as AFLDD says there's no place in game for 'trolls'