Footy world steps in after AFLW star Sarah Perkins’ photo sparks ‘vile’ response following Gold Coast’s loss to St Kilda

AFLW star Sarah Perkins has been targeted by trolls after posting a photo from Gold Coast’s loss to St Kilda over the weekend.

St Kilda held off Perkins’ surging Suns on Sunday to claim their first win of the AFLW season by three points and strike a hammer blow to Gold Coast’s finals hopes.

However the loss wasn’t deterring Perkins, who took to Twitter on Monday to share her determination to improve and push for the finals, with the Suns now needing to win both of their final two games to have a shot at the premiership.

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“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,” Perkins wrote.

“Sorry to the Gold Coast Suns fans but please stick with us.”

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While the 28-year-old’s message garnered plenty of support, a horrible trend began to emerge with a handful of trolls deciding to body shame the talented full-forward.

The comments were quickly called out by Perkins, who reminded her followers the criticism she was willing to cop was for her performance out on the pitch, not the way she looks.

“2 from 2 this evening … any other bloke/fake account wanna comment on my size, body shape, athleticism?” Perkins wrote.

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

The footy world quickly came to Perkins’ defence with fellow AFLW star Steph Chiocci responding to one of the horrible comments: “do you feel better about yourself for this comment? Jog on.”

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