THE EMERGENCE of Twitter as a social network has been widely embraced by AFL players, with well over 100 players actively communicating via the network and undoubtedly many more following the Tweets of others.

There have been many who question players’ involvement in such a medium because of the risks and there are risks, big risks for those prominent in the sporting world.

Just ask Stephanie Rice.  The fall out, and her personal regret following on from the defamatory Tweet she sent out after a Rugby match is well documented. Our own players have found themselves in hot water, in particular after the Trengove suspension earlier this year.  Their Tweets of support for their teammate crossed some lines, and some were consequently fined by the AFL.

But what about the benefits? Internationally, there are some great Twitter success stories.   Notably, four-time NBA Champion Shaquille O’Neal, who was one of the first athletes to fully embrace Twitter back in 2009. He has since built his followers to an impressive 4,062,922 people, all following his every word. 

Shaq became the most powerful Twitter force in the NBA, allowing for unprecedented engagement with his fans, as well as building an impressive sponsorship portfolio off the back of his strong Twitter following.  

It was fitting that when it came time for Shaq to hang up the boots, he used Twitter to announce his retirement, sharing a 16-second video and thanking his millions of fans. The Tweet simply read “I’m retiring” with a link to a video.

He didn’t need a press release so the media could tell the world he’s retiring in their words. He told his millions of fans directly, in his own words. The social influence he has built gave him the freedom to leapfrog the middle man.

Back to Melbourne. Our club’s view is that the benefits outweigh the risks.  We support our players’ Twitter activity, and think the more ways our players engage with our supporters and members, the better.  Twitter provides a fun and informal way for players to express themselves, show their personality and give fans an insight into their day to day lives.

The Club is not so naïve to think that our players won’t stumble and occasionally fall as they Tweet their thoughts and observations and yes, there is education provided to players specifically about social media - but no amount of education can remove all the risks.

Twitter also serves as an important communication tool for the Club.  Members and supporters can be updated instantly on changes to training times, media announcements, special offers, ins and outs…the list goes on, essentially for free. If you don’t already, consider following the Club and our players on Twitter.

Melbourne players on Twitter: