AFLW kicking goals and shaping the debate on danger of body shaming

‘Body shape does not always reflect body condition, nor does it necessarily impact on-field performance.’ Photograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

As we approach the final AFLW round, the conversation has been dominated by another social media attack on an AFLW player.

Last week Gold Coast Suns forward Sarah Perkins tweeted an apology to supporters for missing what would have been a match winning goal against the Saints, a series of tweets followed criticising Perkins based on her body shape. Countless AFLW players, fans, and commentators rushed to Perkins’ defence, reinvigorating the debate on the dangers of social media for high profile sports people, and driving the conversation about the right to criticise an athlete’s body in the context of performance.