The AFL has declared war on trolls with the hunt for the cruel antagonists who tried to bring down women’s superstar Tayla Harris set to become a “watershed moment” for Aussie sport.

Some of the biggest names in the industry called for tighter controls to fight online abusers, after a stunning photo showcasing the Carlton star in full flight became ugly online fodder.

AFL integrity unit investigators were set to join forces with Channel 7’s social media platforms in a bid to identify perpetrators who could be banned from games and see their memberships torn up.

Harris admitted yesterday the controversy left her feeling unsafe.

“I genuinely considered they might show up at the footy and if they are thinking this way — what are they going to do when I’m on the sidelines meeting kids,” Harris, 21, said.

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“That’s the reality of it. These people need to be called out by the AFL, yes, but also taken further — maybe this is the start of domestic violence, maybe this is the start of abuse.

“The comments were repulsive and it made me uncomfortable.

“We’re not talking about the trolls, we’re talking about society right now and a much bigger picture. Some of the comments were sexual abuse, what I would consider sexual abuse on social media.”

Camera Icon Ted Whitten’s famous photo. Credit: Supplied

Harris had initially considered making an official complaint to Victoria Police but yesterday said she had opted against that course of action.

Carlton AFLW coach Daniel Harford said the image would inspire today’s junior footy players, comparing it to the historic photograph of Footscray legend Ted Whitten in full flight.

“This will be an iconic image of Tayla, similar to the Ted Whitten image,” Harford said. “We’ve now got this iconic photo that’s going to take it to the next generation.”

On Tuesday night, 7AFL posted the photograph which quickly attracted a swag of derogatory comments from social media users that Harris branded “animals”. 7AFL removed the photograph but copped a swift backlash from supporters over the decision and later reposted it.

“Our prime concern has always been Tayla Harris,” the spokeswoman said. “Once we knew what her attitude was towards the photo we were able to reinstate it.”

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said it wasn’t simply an issue for the league’s broadcast partner.

“It’s more a challenge with the platform, social media, because this is not an isolated incident,” he said. “When it’s unacceptable commentary, more and more people are calling that out and that is what has happened here.”

Retired Aussie netball star Liz Ellis urged more to be done to protect our elite athletes, saying: “It will only be a watershed moment if people continue to call this sort of stuff out. It is a long and exhausting process and sports have to do it, the public has to do it and the media has to do it.”