Sydney has taken a powerful stand against online hate in support of its AFLW program.
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The Swans in a tribute to International Women’s Day on Saturday released a video showing men’s players reading out nasty comments to women’s players on social media.
Those comments included …
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“Hang up the boots and watch from the sidelines. Useless, should be ashamed to wear the Swans jumper, take it off.”
“Stop pretending this is a professional sport.”
“I don’t count the women’s team as part of my club. They could fold for all I care.”
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The Swans men’s players then offered some perspective and insights from within the four walls.
Brodie Grundy spoke particularly passionately against the vitriol.
“It’s interesting … that entitlement around (calling it) ‘my club’,” the star ruckman began.
“Yes, we love our fans and love our members. But we are one club and everyone belongs. Particularly our AFLW program, it’s a well run program and makes up a big part of what makes the Sydney Swans so special.
“I know as a men’s player that’s been in the league for a very long time, I’ve learned a tremendous amount off their professionalism and the way they show up in the workplace.
“When it says, ‘I don’t count the women’s team a part of my club’, that’s just not the way we roll anymore. This is a new age and new era and everyone belongs at the Sydney Swans.”
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James Rowbottom explained it “hits close to home” for him personally, with younger sister Charlie a member of the Gold Coast Suns.
“I can’t imagine (such comments) being made towards my sister, which doesn’t sit too well for me,” he said.
Will Hayward pointed out that the AFLW players are “in the club probably more than (men’s players) are,” despite juggling other jobs and responsibilities.
“A large majority of them work on top of (playing) or go to uni. The amount of hours they put into their craft is remarkable,” he said.
“It actually makes us better as a club. We’re starting pre-season on our holidays and they’re always here. It’s amazing the amount of effort they put in.
“Comments like that are not good for anyone and you’re not helping anyone with that sort of stuff.”
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