Fremantle defender Jordan Clark urges fans to reconsider how they use social media to express opinions in light of discussions surrounding online abuse.
Both West Coast and Fremantle have been vocal about the negative and derogatory content players have received from fans via social media over the past week, with players and coaches speaking out.
The 23-year-old unfortunately is no stranger to being on the receiving end of online abuse, having received a barrage it following Fremantle’s 10-point loss to Carlton during Gather Round.
Speaking on SportFM, Clark has reiterated while it’s okay to share an opinion, there’s no need to be abusive or derogatory.
“I’m quite passionate in that space because mental health and that is really important in life these days. I don’t think there’s any need for someone to go out of their way to message someone over a game of football,” he said.
“At the end of the day, we’re trying to go out there and enjoy what we’re doing. The boys tend to put themselves out there enough as it is.
“I encourage everyone to accept the game for what it is and leave their opinions to themselves if they’re going to be abusive.
Earlier this week, Eagle Jamie Cripps noted young star Harley Reid had copped a significant amount of abuse in his short career.
Similarly, Clark, who also plays in a young side, spoke of how these negative messages can affect young players.
He urges fans to remember who they’re messaging and that they’re human too.
“Some young kids come into the system and it really does bother them,” he said.
“I think a lot of people forget that as much as we are footballers we are someone’s brother, we’re someone’s son, we’re someone’s partner, we’re a best mate to a lot of friends.
“If they’re going to send that stuff put themselves in the shoes of the person receiving it before you actually send it. Some of the messages that people send, particularly young players, are violent and it’s not acceptable.”
While Clark hasn’t received many gambling-related messages, he has acknowledged it is an issue among his teammates.
“I don’t really get many messages, but obviously, in the change room, a few of the boys do,” he said.
“A lot of them are driven by gambling and AFL fantasy, believe it or not, just a ridiculous sort of made-up game.
“They’re probably the two main factors in driving a lot of these things, it’s quite fascinating really.”
Fremantle take on Sydney this Friday Night at Optus Stadium in their Annual Purple Hands Foundation match.
Clark has encouraged fans to donate if they can to support the foundation and assist at-risk and disadvantaged youth reach their full potential.
IMAGE: AFL Photos