Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley has revealed a disgruntled supporter sent him directions to go jump off a bridge following an AFL defeat three years ago.
In a shocking insight into the vicious abuse AFL players receive online, Dunkley said he opened up a message in 2018 which put him at “rock bottom”.
Already feeling down after making a crucial mistake in the Bulldogs’ seven-point loss against Sydney, the 2016 premiership hero was left shaken to his core.
“My Instagram DMs were overflowing with literally hundreds of abusive messages, but one of them really stood out,” Dunkley wrote in an espn.com.au column.
“Someone had actually sent me a Google Maps screenshot which had directions from Marvel Stadium to the West Gate Bridge.
“Here I am, just a 21-year-old kid, being advised by a disgruntled ‘fan’ to commit suicide after making an error in a game.
“No matter what the coaching staff and senior players tell you, you can’t help but feel responsible for the loss when you see something like that.”
Dunkley is the latest AFL player to reveal some of the cowardly abuse he has endured.
A man was arrested and charged last year after an investigation into alleged online harassment against star Richmond defender Dylan Grimes.
The three-time Tigers premiership player had death threats sent to him after suggestions he staged for a free kick in a game against Essendon last year.
Greater Western Sydney veteran Callan Ward was also sent death threats via social media after he was the beneficiary of a divisive free kick that helped the Giants defeat the Bombers in a close game last August.
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