Online abuse of AFL players has sunk to "horrific" new lows, Brisbane's dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale says.
"People hiding behind keyboards to attack players are the biggest stain on society," Neale posted on Instagram on Friday.
"It's getting beyond a joke now, the things I've seen sent are some of the most horrific messages I've ever seen. It's a game of football, grow the f*** up.
"Cowards. Put your face and name to your words."
Neale's comments follow Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley this week condemning online racist abuse of Power forward Willie Rioli.
Rioli has shut down his social media accounts after being the latest Indigenous AFL star to be abused.
"It's a disgrace," Hinkley told reporters on Wednesday.
"It's a disgrace the racism that still goes on in our world. With the way we talk about lots of things in society, and yet that is still tolerated and still allowed to go on.
"There almost should be a law that makes people accountable."
Neale was among Lions players targeted by social media trolls after Brisbane's heavy loss to Collingwood on Thursday night.
Steve Larkin - AAP
