Trolls put me in dark place
Cotchin haunted by COVID abuse
BROOKE Cotchin has revealed she is still haunted by the “gut-wrenching” and vile comments she received after her COVID-19 breach last month.
Despite apologising for the error of going to a day spa, the wife of Richmond captain Trent Cotchin says the toll of online bullying had put her in a dark place.
“It was a really hard time for not only me but our family,’’ she said.
“I was in a very bad place for a little while and it took some time to dig myself out.
“Dealing with the lengths of the online bullying was and is something I am learning to try and block out. Some of the vile comments and personal messages were gut-wrenching and it breaks my heart that people deal with this on a daily basis.
“It still haunts me and still sets off my anxiety, but from your darkest times come your greatest lessons and I am just trying to take each day as it comes.”
Social media trolling has become a huge issue for AFL players, with two men charged this week over threats directed to Tiger Dylan Grimes. GWS star Callan Ward also revealed he received death threats.
Trent Cotchin was a victim himself when a cowardly comment was posted on a picture of his children. “It blows my mind how nasty people can be,’’ Brooke said.
AFL Players Association CEO Paul Marsh said the rise in social media abuse was a concern, and the partners of players did not deserve to cop abuse.
“I’d first and foremost say the players’ families are playing a significant role in keeping this season going,’’ he said.
“They deserve to be treated with much more respect because without having them there to support the players and the clubs, we wouldn’t be able to finish this season.
“Any form of abuse on social media is unacceptable and we feel that particularly strongly for people here who haven’t signed up to be part of this industry.”
He said all players had been given access to mental health and financial services.