Tayla Harris has been attacked by online trolls over a photo taken of her loading up a drop punt.

The photo of the 21-year-old Carlton player was taken during their final round match against the Western Bulldogs in the AFLW.

Channel 7’s AFL social media department posted the photo online before removing it due to a number of offensive and inappropriate comments.

Here’s a pic of me at work… think about this before your derogatory comments, animals. pic.twitter.com/68aBVVbTTj

— Tayla Harris (@taylaharriss) March 19, 2019

The decision caused outrage, with several sporting stars rallying behind Ms Harris.

She tweeted the photo, stating it was simply “a pic of me at work”.

Former host of the AFL Footy Show Rebecca Maddern tells Ben Fordham the trolls have only strengthened the image of women in sport.

“Isn’t it great that this image now is much bigger than ALFW?

“This is about women in sport, this is about displaying an image that is so strong and powerful.”

Click PLAY to hear the full interview