Sarah Perkins AFLW photo sparks vile trolls

An AFLW star has hit back at trolls who body-shamed her after her team fell agonisingly short on the weekend.

Gold Coast Suns forward Sarah Perkins took to Twitter on Monday to apologise to fans for the team’s three-point loss to St Kilda, before she was insulted by vile trolls.

‘2 from 2 this evening … anyone other bloke/fake account wanna comment on my size, body shape, athleticism?’ she posted to social media.

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

AFLW star Sarah Perkins has hit back at trolls who body-shamed her after her team fell agonisingly short on the weekend

Perkins took to Twitter on Monday to apologise to fans for the team’s three-point loss to St Kilda, before she was insulted by a few disgusting fans

Perkins had initially posted an apology to Suns fans after the team suffered another loss, now two places outside of the finals positions.

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

‘Sorry to the GC Suns fans but please stick with us.’

The post was met with a series of awful comments criticising the full forward’s weight.

‘Peak athleticism,’ one man wrote, before an AFLW star told him to ‘jog on’.

‘Do you feel better about yourself for this comment? Jog on,’ Collingwood co-captain Steph Chiocci responded.

‘I think she should go for a job,’ another man replied to the Pies midfielder.

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

Chiocci, who also works as a high school teacher, then wrote another message of support to Perkins.

‘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.’

The AFL Players’ Association said there was ‘no place’ for the abuse in the sport.