The AFLW community is coming together to rally behind Essendon midfielder Maddy Prespakis after she opened up about her experience with body shaming from online trolls.
At just 23 years old, Prespakis had previously shared her challenges with body image. Unfortunately, in the days leading up to the Bombers’ match against Gold Coast, she received a “horrible message” that reignited discussions about online harassment.
“To be honest, I feel very sad right now, for myself I have battled with body image and learning to love my body from a young age until now,” she expressed on Instagram leading up to the game.
“Playing football is the game I love but body confidence hasn’t always made it easy with the view I have on myself, and that’s why I’ve worked so hard to be able to look in the mirror and love what my body looks like.
“Yesterday’s horrible message has brought back A LOT of feelings I’ve worked hard to overcome over the years but with the best people around me right now I know I’ll continue to have the love from so many beautiful people in my life.”
Prespakis didn’t let this hinder her later on the field however, as she accomplished 22 disposals, nine clearances and two goals.
Collingwood AFLW player Sarah Rowe took to AFL.com.au‘s Tagged to express her support for Prespakis vulnerability, saying, “We’re all behind her and we all support her but it’s shocking to think that that’s still happening.”
“We need to have those hard conversations. If it’s you that is making those comments take a good hard look at yourself. If it’s your friend that’s doing that, if it’s your child, if it’s your mum or dad, son, have a good hard look at yourself and pull your head in because it’s not good enough. It’s just not OK and it’s time to take a stand,” Rowe added.
“What she alluded to in her video was that she’s not good enough, she is more than good enough, she’s one of the best players in the League.”
Source: AFLW.
