When Trolling Turns Toxic The Adelaide Crows' decision to report a vile message sent to their captain Jordan Dawson to South Australian Police and the AFL integrity unit has sparked a much needed conversation about the blurring of lines between sports fandom and personal abuse.
The incident, which occurred after the team's semi final loss to the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night, is part of a disturbing trend of online harassment targeting athletes.
Dawson, who has spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health following the death of his brother Jaryd last month, was subjected to a direct message on Instagram that made a self harm reference.