The Adelaide Crows have condemned the “disgusting and disturbing” trolling of captain Jordan Dawson, saying the incident would be reported to SA Police.
Dawson was the target of a social media message containing a self-harm reference, following his side’s defeat in Saturday night’s semi-final against Brisbane.
The club said fellow player Callum Ah Chee was also subjected to abuse, understood to be racist in nature, and that the matter would be raised with the league.
“We will provide Jordan and Cal with the appropriate support, as is the case when any of our people are subjected to online attacks and abuse,” Crows CEO Tim Silvers said in a statement.
“We will also be reporting these latest incidents to SA Police and the AFL’s integrity unit.
“Unfortunately, this disgusting and disturbing behaviour is becoming more common.“
Dawson shared a picture of the message he received on his Instagram account.
At the recent All-Australian awards, Dawson, who was named vice-captain, used his speech to speak about mental health — something especially important to him in the wake of his brother’s death earlier this year.
“The mental health space is something new to me, but something I want to learn more about,” he said in August.
“I want everyone to know who is struggling with their mental health that you are definitely loved and that the world is a better place with you in it. You are enough. We all love you, you have friends and family around you.”
The heartfelt speech won Dawson plaudits from the mental health sector.
In the wake of the weekend’s trolling incidents, the club’s CEO urged an end to such abuse throughout society.
“It’s simply not good enough and it has to stop,” Silvers said.
“There’s no place for it.”
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