‘Not everyone is size 6’: AFLW star Sarah Perkins hits back at online body-shamers

The AFLW star Sarah Perkins has received widespread support after she hit back at online trolls who body-shamed her in the wake of the Gold Coast Suns’ defeat to St Kilda at the weekend.

Perkins had already kicked a goal and two behinds in Sunday’s match, and taken four marks before she took a fifth in front of goal with a minute left in the game and her side four points behind.

But the key forward, usually known for her keen eye for goal, skewed her shot wide and the Suns dropped to a narrow 5.4 (34) to 4.7 (31) defeat – their fourth loss of the season so far.

On Monday, Perkins took to her social media to apologise to Suns fans, prompting an outpouring of support for the 28-year-old.

“Yesterday hurt a lot but the sun came up this morning and I’m ready for a big week on the track and in front of goals,” she said. “Sorry to the Gold Coast Suns fans but please stick with us.”

But there were also some accounts that responded with body-shaming messages and comments about her weight, which Perkins promptly called out.

Perkins tweeted: “2 from 2 this evening … anyone other bloke/fake account wanna comment on my size, body shape, athleticism? More than happy to hear feedback about my football skill/ability but unfortunately not everyone can be a size 6!”

2 from 2 this evening… anyone other bloke/fake account wanna comment on my size, body shape, athleticism? More then happy to hear feedback about my football skill/ability but unfortunately not everyone can be a size 6! @Steph_Chiocci ❤️