Emerging AFL talents Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jase Burgoyne have bravely confronted the issue of online abuse following a series of vile attacks directed at them on social media. This troubling trend continues to plague the AFL, with players frequently reporting incidents of racial abuse, often originating from anonymous or difficult-to-trace accounts.
Wanganeen-Milera, a 22-year-old defender for St Kilda, faced derogatory messages after his team’s narrow five-point loss. He shared one such message on Instagram that came from an account devoid of followers, which contained offensive language and racial slurs, referencing his performance in the match where he recorded 24 disposals. Wanganeen-Milera’s reaction included a poignant caption: “Over a game of football! Hero mate.” His teammate, Liam Stocker, later supported him by reposting the story with a comment encouraging accountability among those who send such messages.
Burgoyne, a player for Port Adelaide, also experienced abuse after his team’s victory against West Coast, receiving derogatory messages filled with racist rhetoric from an account named “tubs_77.” He responded with a clown emoji, perhaps reflecting his disdain for the cowardice of such anonymous attacks. Burgoyne contributed to the team’s win, although his performance included only nine touches.
This alarming pattern of online harassment is not new; in April, Brisbane Lions captain Lachie Neale condemned these “cowards” for targeting players with abusive messages. The Lions organisation expressed solidarity with their players, highlighting the persistent nature of these issues while reiterating the need for protective measures that safeguard the mental well-being of athletes.
The incident prompted further discussions around the effectiveness of measures the AFL has implemented to combat online abuse, with many clubs advocating for stronger actions to mitigate the psychological toll on players. The apparent rise of virtual bullying within the sport continues to prompt calls for meaningful change, supporting both the mental health of players and the integrity of the competition itself.
As the AFL grapples with this ongoing challenge, the voices of players like Wanganeen-Milera and Burgoyne play a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering change in the culture surrounding online interactions in sport. The situation underscores a pressing need for accountability and responsible use of social media platforms.