The image of Tayla Harris has already become a defining one in Australian sport.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
You have probably seen it on the news or over social media where it has replaced many people's profile image.
The AFLW star is captured post-kick, right leg stretched high, her left leg off the ground as the momentum carries her into the air.
Her orange boot is at her eye level as she watches the flight of the ball as it sails through the sticks for a goal for Carlton.
It is an image that captures the skill, power and athleticism of football, not just women's football.
It has a timelessness about it as it harks back to the classic image of EJ "Ted" Whitten in an almost identical kicking pose.
The photograph was posted by Channel 7 to social media and was quickly targeted by trolls with sexist and derogatory comments.
Most are not repeatable but you can imagine how vile they were. Some surely bordered on the criminal. Others were from would-be wits that think "get back in the kitchen" is the height of humour.
Chanel 7 moderators were clearly not ready for the comments (and, to be fair, why should they be) and removed the image rather than deleting the comments and blocking the people.
That was a stupid move that kowtowed to idiots at the expense of celebrating a great athlete and tremendous image.
What was heartening to see was the response and blow-back on the haters and the way Harris comported herself during the ensuing media storm.
The 21-year-old was articulate and strong in her condemnation. She said how she felt unsafe in her workplace, which is a terrible way to feel.
Harris was already a star of the game, bursting through packs to take strong marks.
Her comments have galvanised a movement to say this type of behaviour is unacceptable and needs to be called out.
The AFL has acted to track the people behind the comments and cancel their memberships where applicable.
Chanel 7 reloaded the image and it was shared as a line in the sand symbol that trolling is puerile and that the exponents of it are pathetic.
The photo will be placed in the ranks of St Kilda legend Nicky Winmar lifting his jumper and pointing at his skin in response to racial abuse from opposition fans.
"The Kick" as the image is now known will quite rightly become a watershed moment in Australian sport. It should become part of the marketing for not just the women's game but footy in general.
A logo has already been designed.
Footy has evolved so much in recent years and has become a more family-friendly game thanks to AFLW. However, as the wild brawl at the season opener between Carlton and Richmond showed, more needs to be done to eradicate the troglodytes.
The image of Harris will be placed in the ranks of St Kilda legend Nicky Winmar lifting up his jumper and pointing at his skin in response to racial abuse from Collingwood fans.
Sadly Harris is not the first female athlete to be targeted in such a manner.
It was a similar reaction with "make me a sandwich" quips directed at teenager Jade Hameister after a talk she gave was met with derisive comments.
After she skied to the South Pole, the 16-year-old posted a photo of her holding a plate with a sandwich with the comment, "I made you a sandwich (ham & cheese). Now ski 37 days and 600km to the South Pole and you can eat it".
Sexists and bigots exist but they are being left to wallow in their own impotence.
They should reflect on this: in a week where a man livestreamed the murder of 50 peaceful people and posted a racist manifesto online, they did not take a moment to reconsider their digital behaviour.
We clearly need more goodwill and celebration of what makes us a community.
On Thursday, I walked through Harmony Day celebrations (and ate way too many Korean pancakes) while people from various countries and cultures mingled and children played. There was no ill will, no arguments, no trolls. Because that rarely happens when people interact face to face.
The racists, misogynists and bigots need to get out from behind their keyboards and experience the real world.
Who knows, a little sunshine and fresh air might be the disinfectant they need to cure them of their septic thoughts.
- Mark Baker is Australian Community Media - Tasmania managing editor