AFL head of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch said the rule 35 review found more consistency was needed across Australia,as well as more education.

This would include a lot more education at community level when it comes to protecting the wellbeing of those experiencing vilification.

“The AFL’s original racial and religious vilification policy was an Australian first,and perhaps a first in world sport. It sent a very strong message that our game wanted to stand up against racism,and that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players had protection and rights on the ground,” Hosch said.

“While the rule has worked on the ground,the review shows that we need to continue to ensure that we continue to get better in every aspect of our game and ensure that everyone across our game is aware of the impact of vilification and what they need to do to contribute to an inclusive and respectful environment. We know we need to get better.

“In recent times,with the rising use of social media in Australia,our code has experienced and continues to experience attacks on players and their families in all manner of ways. We must ensure we have the right professional support for those abused and the ability to put the right accountabilities in place for people who misuse those platforms to vilify our players.”

Club staff,player agents,governing body staff and media will be offered training around how to better deal with – in their chosen fields - problems caused by vilification,and online abuse directed at players.

There will also be a focus on developing and promoting support services for those who are vilified.

The league will also continue to prioritise working with the E-Safety Commissionerto stop the spread of online abuse,and want to work with social media companies more closely.

“[The AFL will] develop and execute strategic promotion of their community educational tools to enhance awareness of the impact of online discrimination,and implementing a training program covering the impact of online abuse,” the AFL said.

“The game would explore opportunities to work formally with key digital platforms to address harmful material posted on-line,while working with key groups within clubs to emphasise their responsibilities.”

The review received 44 submissions including from all 18 clubs and conducted interviews with players,academics,community clubs and media stakeholders as part of the review.