The AFL has been forced to confront an all-too-familiar problem after two of its brightest young Indigenous players were the targets of vile, racist abuse online.
St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Port Adelaide‘s Jase Burgoyne, two emerging stars of the game, both posted screenshots of the messages on Sunday night.
The abuse was shocking in language and tone, and both clubs acted swiftly to bring the matter to the league’s attention.
‘Bro u f***ing n*****,’ the message to Wanganeen-Milera read.
‘Couldn’t f***ing touch the ball once more. U f***ing me over.’
Wanganeen-Milera, who had 24 disposals and was closely tagged during the game, responded calmly.
St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was targeted by a racist troll after the Saints’ narrow loss to Sydney on Sunday
The anonymous account sent this string of horrific messages to the in-demand St Kilda star
‘Over a game of football. Hero mate,’ he posted in response.
St Kilda teammate Liam Stocker also chimed in: ‘Get a grip. Put your name on it.’
Fellow Indigenous Saint Bradley Hill shared his support too. ‘Some people hey!!!! Love you @nasiah_wm7,’ Hill posted.
St Kilda and Port Adelaide referred the messages directly to AFL House following their matches that afternoon.
Burgoyne was messaged by a profile only named ‘Tim’ that included a host of graphic sexual and racial abuse.
‘Get a touch you weal a** c***,’ it read.
‘Welcome to country you f***ing loser.’
Burgoyne shared the message with a clown emoji.
Port Adelaide ‘s Jase Burgoyne was also targeted the same day his good friend Wanganeen-Milera was abused
Burgoyne shared the messages he received to social media, only replying with a clown emoji
‘The AFL integrity unit is investigating vile racist texts sent to Indigenous stars Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Jase Burgoyne via Instagram direct message,’ 7NEWS reporter Xander McGuire confirmed.
The league is treating the matter seriously, but players and fans are again left wondering how much longer this behaviour will go on.
AFL players have faced repeated racial abuse on social media in recent years.
This season, Willie Rioli was previously targeted online after his suspension for threatening Bulldogs defender Bailey Dale.
In 2023, Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was targeted with slurs online and at the ground, prompting the AFL to issue lifetime bans.
That same year, Charlie Cameron, Michael Walters, Nathan Wilson, and Izak Rankine all reported receiving racist messages via Instagram.
St Kilda’s Bradley Hill also revealed his partner was sent vile abuse in 2021.
West Coast’s Liam Ryan was called a ‘monkey’ on social media in 2019, sparking public outrage.
Port Adelaide star Willie Rioli also copped racial abuse after he was suspended earlier this season
Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is another Indigenous star who has been targeted
Joel Wilkinson was racially vilified both on the field and online during his time with the Suns.
Adam Goodes endured years of racial taunts, including being called an ‘ape’ in 2013, leading to a prolonged booing saga that ended his career.
In 2023, Eddie Betts reported racist abuse directed at his children outside their home, shared via social media video.
The AFL has responded with lifetime stadium bans and formal investigations by its integrity unit.
Wanganeen-Milera, 22, is not only a star on the rise but one of the league’s most in-demand players.
In the days before the incident, much of the media talk was about his future.
Clubs are circling with offers north of $1million per year to lure him away from Moorabbin.
Port Adelaide – where his uncle Gavin Wanganeen made his name – is considered a strong chance of bringing him back to South Australia.
Adding fuel to the speculation is Wanganeen-Milera’s close relationship with Port defender Burgoyne.
The pair have been friends since they were kids, and Burgoyne recently signed a four-year extension with Port.
‘We’re extremely close,’ Burgoyne said.
‘We’re talking every day and every time he’s back in Adelaide, we’re catching up.’
