Dogs star commends troll stance
WESTERN Bulldogs forward Mitch Wallis has predicted Tiger Dylan Grimes’ stand against social media abuse will pave the way for more players to “follow his lead”.
Grimes contacted Victoria Police in the wake of the threats made on social media, which he revealed after Saturday night’s Dreamtime win over Essendon.
The premiership Tiger said early on Sunday morning that he had received “death threats and suicide suggestions” postmatch, calling out the abusive messages on Instagram.
Wallis said the social media abuse was an “ugly side of footy” but he commended Grimes for taking a stand and expected more players to now follow suit.
“I am rapt Dylan took a stand and really is a leader in this – it’s happening most days, which is disappointing,” Wallis said.
“You have got to front-foot it, wear it on the chin and really be proud of who you are and don’t shy away from it.
“Dylan has taken a stand and I think we are going to follow his footsteps and take a stand when something as bad is said about our players, it could be anything – performance, race, whatever.
“I’m glad he has done it. He has definitely paved the way for people to follow.”
Wallis said he had embraced club advice about changing his social media settings to hide abusive comments.
He called on more players to use their “platform” and stand up against online trolls.
Meanwhile, Wallis said Friday night’s clash against thirdplaced Geelong at Metricon Stadium would provide a true test of the eighth-placed Bulldogs’ form.
“It’s a big challenge this week. Geelong I think are one of probably two or three teams that are favourites to take it out this year,” Wallis said.