Photo Of AFLW Player Sparks Vile Fat Shaming Response

Online trolls have gone after Sarah Perkins after the AFLW star posted a picture of herself on social media following her team's defeat.

Perkins' Gold Coast Suns side lost by the narrowest of margins to St Kilda over the weekend, both teams separated by just three points when the final siren sounded.

After falling agonisingly short, Perkins and her Goal Coast teammates were obviously gutted at the result and she decided to take to social media to apologise to the fans.

"Yesterday hurt a lot but the sun came up this morning and I'm ready for a big week on the track and in front of goals," she tweeted.

"Sorry to the Gold Coast Sunsfans but please stick with us."

Most of the responses were supportive of of the Premiership-winner, although some were nothing short of disgusting.

Instead of heaping praise on Perkins for having the courtesy of addressing the fan base, a small section of social media users chose to use the opportunity to fat shame her.

Perkins took a screen shot of a couple of the comments and posted them in a follow-up tweet.

One of the vile comments read: "Peak athleticism."

While another said: "I think she should go for a jog."

But Perkins hit back.

"2 from 2 this evening... anyone other bloke/fake account wanna comment on my size, body shape, athleticism?" she said.

"More than happy to hear feedback about my football skill/ability but unfortunately not everyone can be a size 6!"

The Aussie Rules community was quick to rally behind Perkins, condemning the internet trolls for their awful remarks.

Journalist Mark Gottlieb said: "This is vile. We have such a long way to go as a society."

While broadcaster Neroli Meadows wrote: "You're a ripper human hun. Remember that above all else. Those who know you, love you."

As fellow AFLW player Steph Chiocci tweeted: "People are just jealous they have never achieved anything worth posting about. Got your back always. Can't wait to see you kick more snags from 50m out and lay tackles like a boss."

Unfortunately this isn't the first time a female athlete in Australia has been body shamed.

When a photo of AFLW star Tayla Harris in full flight during a kick went viral online, it attracted a number of trolls who targeted her with abuse.

Topics: Aussie Rules, afl, Social Media, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry