AFL Women's star Tayla Harris says she fears for her safety after being trolled ...

AFL Women's star Tayla Harris says she is in fear for her safety after vile and abusive comments were posted online to a photo of her kicking a ball during a match.

The photo of the Carlton star was initially posted to the 7AFL site on Tuesday but soon attracted sexual comments which prompted the site to take the picture down.

Outcry at that decision among AFL circles and leading female sportswomen saw that decision reviewed and the photo uploaded again, but now Harris says she is concerned that the trolls who made the comments might target her in the flesh. 

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'These people are behind screens now but no one's saying they aren't going to show up at the footy at the weekend,' Harris said on Wednesday.

'I genuinely consider that they might show up at the footy. If they're thinking this way and able to write it down, what are they going to do when I'm on sideline meeting some kids - that's what I'm going to have to think about now.

'As much it shouldn't be the case at all, that's the reality of it.' 

Harris appeared on breakfast radio on Wednesday morning and slammed the comments as 'sexual abuse'.

'I'm feeling empowered this morning. I think because of the reaction that's come, it's been a bit of a whirlwind,' Harris told RSN Radio's Breakfast Club. 

'It is really amazing that the AFL community got around me,' the star said, while admitting the issue is now about what authorities can do to stop social media trolling ever being accepted. 

'It's not about me now, it's about a much bigger picture,' she said. 

'Some of the comments were sexual abuse, what I would consider sexual abuse on social media.

'These people need to be called out by the AFL, but something needs to go further. It's something maybe Victoria Police should have to look at.' 

AFL chief

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