CARLTON star forward Tayla Harris' famous kick has been immortalised in a statue.
Harris was snapped when taking a shot for goal by AFL Media photographer Michael Willson back in round seven of this year's NAB AFLW season.
The picture featured her signature high-kicking style, but the 22-year-old subsequently bore the brunt of online trolls after the photo was published on social media. As a result of that abuse, Harris fought back publicly and was backed by a groundswell of support.
A prototype statue created by sculptor Terrance Plowright has now been unveiled at Melbourne's Federation Square, where it will sit during the month of September.
A final bronze version will be finished by early 2020, with a location yet to be decided upon.
"It's a pretty unique Wednesday morning, so definitely a strange feeling," Harris said.
"Humbling is the word that comes to mind. It's a footy statue, but it really is a lot more than that and it's more than just the photo.
"It's really cool and it's obviously a really special thing to be a part of and to have as a bronze statue. I'm not one to follow tradition, and this is definitely out of tradition to have a younger person to have a bronze statue.
"I guess it's kind of reserved for people who have retired or have had things happen a long time ago and I think it's a pretty unique situation."
Harris' teammate Darcy Vescio told womens.afl the statue captures a moment outside of football.
"Online trolling is an ongoing issue and something we're continuing to work on," Vescio said.
"It's changed things for Tayla and for all of us, giving us the power to speak out. Online trolling occurs every day to a variety of people, but this was the moment people said 'no', and the power was given back to the person who was being abused
"It shows the power of what people can do, it was individuals acting. Every little bit has impact and you can take a lead yourself."
The 3.3-metre statue has been backed by NAB, aiming to capture a symbol of AFLW and the growing force of women's football.
"Greatness shouldn't be confined to goals, kicks, runs, medals or gender. It's also about all of us realising our potential," NAB chief customer experience officer Rachel Slade said.
"When the kids of today saw that photo of Tayla, and when they see this statue, they shouldn't see gender. They should see strength, athleticism and possibility, and that has the power to change the future."
