“EMPOWERED.”

Just like on the football field, Tayla Harris isn’t backing away or backing down. 

After receiving the backing of the AFL world on Wednesday night, Carlton’s star forward admitted she was overwhelmed by the support.

Speaking to RSN’s Breakfast Club, Harris hoped the reaction showed that enough was enough. 

“It’s been a whirlwind over the last 24 hours. I’ve seen all of it, all of the comments that I hope people don’t know about because they’ve been deleted since,” Harris said. 

“Patrick Dangerfield and a lot of high-profile people got on board, posting the photo and saying ‘let’s share this and not let them win’. The AFL community got around me which is awesome. 

“It isn’t about me now. It’s about a way bigger picture.”

Carlton CEO Cain Liddle also commended Harris and shared her appreciation for the support received by the wider AFL community.

“I spoke to Tayla this morning and she’s extremely appreciative and overwhelmed by the level of support she’s received in the past 24 hours, including support from both AFL and AFLW players.

“As a club, we acknowledge that abuse of any kind against any of our players is not acceptable and we will continue to promote respect and gender equality across all our programs.

Harris said that if she could continue to help drive the conversation and end instances like this one, then she’d continue to make her voice heard. 

“I don’t want to give oxygen to the trolls. I know I shouldn’t read them but it’s hard not to,” she said. 

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“I’m happy to talk about it, because I can. 

“If this can help a little bit or deter people from making comments like that or suggestive comments, that’s all I can do. It’s not about me anymore.”

In terms of the photo and her pure kicking action, Harris was matter-of-fact. 

After all, “that’s how I kick.”

“Michael Willson is an incredible photographer. I told him before the game ‘do you want me to do the kick today? I’ll do it on the 50’.

“The reason I can do it is because I’ve put so much time and effort into my body to make it what it is. 

“This is a product of what I’ve worked for.”

Harris also wanted to acknowledge the enormous support she has received from the public.

“While I may not get a chance to reply to every single message, I am incredibly thankful of the support for myself, my friends and my family.

"I can’t wait to get out there on Saturday in our first ever preliminary final at Ikon Park."