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Tayla Harris happy to silence AFLW critics

3 minute read

High-profile forward Tayla Harris is confident of playing another key role for Carlton in their AFLW encounter with St Kilda on Saturday night.

TAYLA HARRIS
TAYLA HARRIS Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Carlton AFLW forward Tayla Harris believes a big bag of goals is just around the corner as she continues to prove her doubters wrong.

The 22-year-old was thrust into the spotlight last month when Collingwood opponent Stacey Livingstone branded her "useless" at ground level.

The sledge came after Harris was held to just six disposals in a loss to the Magpies.

She has since kicked three goals and averaged 12.5 disposals in the Blues' wins over the Western Bulldogs and reigning premiers Adelaide.

"It's motivation because I like to turn things around to benefit me in scenarios like that," Harris said.

"Obviously it's managed to work well because I've been able to play consistently and really attack the footy.

"But to be honest certain people's opinions don't matter to me.

"Unless they're a credible player or coach or family member, that particular opinion isn't going to weigh on the way I play or not."

Harris, who kicked 2.3 against the Crows last time out, again shapes as a key figure in Saturday night's round five encounter with St Kilda at Ikon Park.

She is confident she can add to her overall tally of five goals for the season.

"I'm just trying my best to do my best and I'll always continue to want more," Harris said.

"On the weekend I missed a couple of goals, so I don't think that performance was as good as it could've been, which means I'm going to try and play better the next week.

"If I had have kicked them, I still would've wanted to kick more."

Carlton players will wear orange socks on Saturday night to support the prevention of violence against women and raise awareness for the club's push for gender equality.

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