AFLW sensation Tayla Harris has sparked controversy in the footy community with a selfie alongside tennis grand slam icon Serena Williams at the Olympic Games.
Many have questioned whether Harris should be enjoying herself in Paris, especially with the AFLW season set to kick off in just three weeks.
The All Australian and Melbourne Demons forward is also working on recovering from a shoulder injury.
However, the 27-year-old, who is in France for a Nike conference, believes the trip presents ‘a perfect learning opportunity’ that will ‘provide valuable insights’ for the upcoming footy season, as stated by her club.
Harris captured the selfie with the retired US tennis star during a global Nike promotional event.
Former Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes was among those who voiced criticism.
‘Taking it seriously then,’ he commented on Harris’ selfie.
This pointed remark has led to a mixed response from footy supporters.
Demons forward Tayla Harris has surprised footy fans with a selfie (pictured) with tennis legend Serena Williams while at the Olympic Games in Paris
‘This kind of jet-setting unprofessionalism is why they’re (AFLW stars) not taken seriously, aren’t fulltime, and don’t earn the big $$$$,’ one commenter noted.
Another remarked: ‘It doesn’t reflect well on her or the Dees…there’s no way one of the Brisbane or Adelaide girls would head off to Paris just weeks before the season starts.’
A third wrote: ‘Well, she’s not great at footy, so why not enjoy herself.’
Meanwhile, other fans quickly defended Harris and criticized Cornes.
‘If it were a full-time gig, you might have a point, but it’s not,’ one user replied.
Another added: ‘I don’t even know who you are… but perhaps remove the sour look before speaking next time.’
Demons head of women’s football Jessie Mullholland expressed the club’s full support for Harris’ trip to France.
‘Tayla has been presented with an extraordinary opportunity to attend the Olympics in Paris,’ she told the Herald Sun.
Tayla’s trip to Paris has stirred discussions in the AFL community and among footy fans
It’s believed the club was aware of Harris’ plans to visit Paris well in advance, where she has had the opportunity to meet some of the world’s top female athletes in recent weeks.
“Upon her return, she will share her experiences and insights with the team, presenting us with a unique perspective on high performance across different fields,” Ms. Mulholland said.
Harris, who is one of Nike’s global ambassadors, further supported this with photos of her training at the Paris Racing 92 rugby club’s state-of-the-art facilities.
She also took time to enjoy herself, sharing images of dining at various restaurants and cycling through the streets of Paris.
The Demons’ first game of the new season is against Geelong on August 31, as Harris works to recover after aggravating a shoulder injury during a recent training camp.
Regardless of her fitness for that match, she plans to be in Australia, posting on Instagram that she would ‘brb (be right back), in Paris.’
Williams also made headlines in France when she criticized a five-star hotel for refusing her family entry to a rooftop restaurant, despite it being vacant.
Questions have been raised about whether Harris (pictured) should have attended Paris, given the AFL Women’s season starts in three weeks and her shoulder injury
The 23-time Grand Slam champion took to X to express her frustration about her treatment at The Peninsula Hotel on Monday.
“Yikes,” Williams tweeted. “@peninsulaparis I was denied access to the rooftop to eat in an empty restaurant of nicer places, but never with my kids. Always a first.”
In response, the hotel issued a statement: “Dear Mrs. Williams, Please accept our sincerest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight.
“Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was fully booked and the only open tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was also completely reserved.
“We have always been honored to welcome you and will always be delighted to have you again. The Peninsula Paris.”
