Tom Hawkins' wife Emma reveals the devastating downside of being an AFL WAG: 'Bawled my eyes out'
The wife of footballer Tom Hawkins says that she is sometimes left sobbing after reading cruel online comments about her appearance.
The 36-year-old says a female friend alerted her to the content, and warned her not to take it to heart - but Emma couldn't resist, and went looking for the comments.
'I just bawled my eyes out. Hundreds of people commenting on how you look,' she told Adelaide Now.
'Another time someone commented that it's so nice to see a footballer with a normal-looking girl who's not as skinny as others,' she continued.
'I'd be lying if I said it didn't get to me at times. For sure it did.'
Emma says the online trolls affected her mental health, but added the AFL Facebook page, where she found most of the comments, was 'receptive' to taking them down.
'Sometimes you can lose yourself in it because there is an underlying expectation that you can't have an opinion,' Emma said of being a footballer's wife.
'You can kind of lose yourself in your own identity sometimes. Make sure you do follow your passions and they are the priority too.'
Emma previously told Stellar magazine that she tries to brush off nasty comments from trolls.
Having watched everyone around her with 'tiny baby bumps' snap back, the WAG said she now follows 'like-minded' people on Instagram.
'Everyone I'm around had tiny little baby bumps and seemed to snap back to their weight,' she said.
'(So) I would follow women who had pregnancies like mine.'
Emma went on to explain that some days she can cope with the negative comments, but on others, it gets to her.
'When I'm being trolled or someone comments on my weight - if they say that on a day I'm feeling good, it's water off a duck's back,' she explained.
'But if they say that on a day when I've had no sleep and I'm feeling crap, then it will hit me where it hurts.'
Emma met her sports star husband Tom, 37, in high school and began dating in year twelve.
The pair married in 2016 and share daughters Arabella, seven, and Primrose, four, as well as son Henry, two.
Tom is a two-time premiership player who recorded 359 games with Geelong.
Following a brief stint as an actress, Emma went on to co-found kidswear fashion label Homegrown Kids.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Beloved Sydney restaurant announces shock closure after five years - and fans are heartbroken
One of Sydney 's favourite vegan eateries will shut down at the end of the month, and loyal customers say the loss will leave a huge hole in their weekends. Green Sprouts Chinese Vegan Restaurant on Military Road in Neutral Bay revealed the news in a heartfelt post to Instagram and Facebook, confirming its final service will be on August 31. 'After nearly five incredible years, Green Sprouts Vegan Chinese Restaurant will be closing its doors for good on August 31st,' the statement read. 'Since opening in October 2020, we've had the honour of welcoming thousands of vegan and non-vegan diners from all over Sydney, and we're grateful to have been voted one of the best vegan restaurants multiple times. 'This journey wouldn't have been possible without your love and support. While it's heartbreaking to say goodbye, we are truly grateful for every moment shared. 'Thank you for being part of our story - and come to say goodbye in the next couple of weeks.' The Military Road venue quickly became a cult favourite for its authentic Hong Kong-style yum cha, complete with dim sum carts wheeled to diners' tables and a 100 per cent plant-based menu that won over both vegans and meat-eaters. As news of the closure spread, loyal customers filled the comments with tributes. One said they were 'devastated' and admitted they had 'no idea where to go for yum cha now.' Another described it as 'the saddest news' and vowed to visit before the month's end to say goodbye. Others revealed they travelled from interstate just to eat there, with one Newcastle customer admitting they made a 'special trip' every time they came to Sydney. Many urged the owners to keep them updated if they start anything similar elsewhere. Some diners became emotional recalling their favourite dishes, from the famed turnip cakes to the mango custard buns, black sesame balls, bean curd rolls, and vegan duck pancakes. One regular said the restaurant had been their 'go-to for every birthday and special occasion' and praised the food as 'better than the real thing.' Another wrote, 'I hope this is not the end of your vegan restaurant dreams - your food is incredible.' The shock announcement comes amid a wave of high-profile Sydney restaurant closures. The Military Road venue quickly became a cult favourite for its authentic Hong Kong-style yum cha, complete with dim sum carts wheeled to diners' tables and a 100 per cent plant-based menu that won over both vegans and meat-eaters In June, two of Sydney's best-known waterfront venues - Saké and El Camino Cantina at Manly Wharf - shut down after 15 years on the lease, following what hospitality group Hunter St. Hospitality described as a 'commercial decision.' In mid-July, award-winning Sri Lankan favourite Lankan Filling Station in Darlinghurst revealed it will soon serve its final hoppers after seven years, with chef-owner O Tama Carey calling it 'the end of an era.' For Green Sprouts fans, however, the countdown is on - with just over two weeks left to savour one last meal before the doors close for good. Many are already planning farewell visits, while others admit they still can't quite believe the city's best-known vegan yum cha will soon be gone.
The Guardian
5 hours ago
- The Guardian
‘Your nether regions will know if you've skimped': 16 summer cycling essentials
Cycling is one of the most rewarding activities around. It's good for your physical and mental health, offers a carbon-free way of getting from A to B, and can often be the quickest and most cost-effective form of transport – particularly if you live in a city. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Once you're hooked, there are a few bits of kit that will improve your experience immeasurably, whether that's comfortable clothing to curtail chaffing, or a water bottle to help you hydrate without stopping. In summer, the longer days and generally favourable conditions mean you can forgo additional accessories such as bike lights, mudguards and head-to-toe waterproofs – although they can't be avoided forever if you become a year-round, all-weather rider. Another bit of good news is that while cycling has a reputation for being an expensive pursuit, it doesn't have to be, and many of my favourite bits of kit have more affordable price tags. In the almost three decades since I set off stabiliser-free for the first time, I've dabbled in all types of cycling – from a teenage fling with BMXing to inner-city commuting and ultra-distance off-road escapades. In that time, I've tested all manner of clothing, tools and accessories, pushing them to the limit during races, events, training rides and the daily grind. Here's my favourite gear that I reach for before setting off on a summer ride. Although it performs a similar function to a generic sports base layer, a jersey is the first 'proper' bit of cycling gear worth investing in because of the additional comfort it offers. Made from a lightweight, breathable fabric, a jersey will wick away moisture from hotspots, while a full-length zip means you can 'ventilate' on the go. Three rear pockets store essentials such as food, tools and a phone, and unlike a running or gym top, the cut is slightly longer at the back for extra coverage when riding leant forward. My favourites, which perform well without breaking the bank, are Italian-designed Sportful SRK, which includes an extra zipped compartment for keys; the 100% recycled Rapha Core; the DHB Blok and its women-specific range, Moda; and the sub-£40 Madison Flux, which comes with a lifetime guarantee. Rapha Core women's jersey Sportful men's SRK jersey DHB Moda women's short-sleeve jersey 2.0 DHB Blok men's classic short-sleeve jersey Madison Flux men's short-sleeve jersey Bib shorts might seem like an indulgent (and expensive) purchase, but you get what you pay for – and your nether regions will let it be known if you've skimped. Fitted with a saddle-shaped section of foam in the crotch (known as a chamois), the shorts add an extra layer of padding beneath your perineum that keeps the area dry and cushioned on long rides. Just don't wear underwear, as this can negate the benefits. The straps may make the item resemble a wrestler's singlet, but they keep the shorts in place more comfortably than a waistband, which can dig in over time. As the male and female anatomy are quite different down there, it's worth opting for a gender-specific set. Albion's ABR1 are my go-to for ultra-distance exploits, arriving with handy pockets on each thigh and one at the rear for extra storage. The Gregarius Essential from Q36.5, meanwhile, are soft and supportive against the skin, and breathable too. And for women, 'Petrichor Projects' PP002 offer unbeatable comfort, with a cargo pocket, easy-pee design and sleek aesthetics,' says Katherine Moore, author of Gravel Rides South West England, who also recommends Velocio's Luxe line for all-day epics. 'They're made from a super-soft, compressive material with a built-in base layer front and lovely raw-finish leg hem. A thicker-style chamois pad is the go-to for longer rides.' Albion ABR1 men's pocket bib shorts Q36.5 Gregarius Essential bib shorts Petrichor Projects PP002 women's bib shorts Velocio women's Luxe bib shorts If you'd rather cover your modesty with a normal set of shorts, then opt for a pair of undershorts instead. Secured at the waist, rather than the shoulders, this padded set from Endura will soften the sting of any terrain (as I found out when mountain biking in Colorado), while the stretchy mesh fabric minimises the buildup of sweat, even when worn under non-technical clothing. Endura men's padded Clickfast liner shorts Endura women's padded Clickfast liner shorts Cotton caps were originally designed to protect bare heads from the sun, although today's peloton professionals will rarely wear one. Since you're unlikely to be chasing every watt on your commute, though, a cycling cap under your helmet is a good way to shield from the sun or take off the chill on cooler mornings, all while adding a splash of colour to your riding wardrobe. Prendas specialises in vintage cotton caps, with the Mapei design of the 90s and early 00s team one of the loudest around. The Giro d'Italia-inspired cap from the General Classification is a bit more subtle but oozes style. Mapei retro cotton cycling cap Tour of Italy cotton cycling cap Helmets are a source of contentious debate, but if you want a model that goes above and beyond the EN1078 European standard (which every cycling helmet sold is required to pass by law), the ARO3 Endurance by Oakley is a good choice. It includes an internal Mips (multi-directional impact protection system) layer, which can move independently of the outer shell in the event of a crash, helping to protect the brain. Its 19 vents keep the air flowing even on the warmest days, and the antimicrobial liner minimises odour, ride after ride. Oakley AR03 Endurance Mips helmet Although your feet are fairly static when riding a bike, all of those revolutions will soon have you working up a sweat inside your shoes. Any sports sock will do the job, but a cycling-specific pair will be much more comfortable, providing ventilation on the tops of your feet and padded toes to support every pedal stroke. Like caps, socks can enable you to add a splash of personality, and the fluoro finish of Aussie brand Maap's training sock is sure to get nods of approval at the traffic lights. Maap training sock Oversized sports sunglasses are a must-have fashion accessory this summer, but if you're more interested in conquering hills than the catwalk, you should prioritise a set that provides good coverage against sun, rain and unsuspecting insects – as well as ventilation to prevent you from fogging up. Decathlon's Van Rysel brand is renowned for its premium products, and its RoadR 900 shades can stand up to models from Oakley for a fraction of the cost. This pair comes with a photochromic, UV-filtering nylon lens that automatically adjusts depending on the sun's intensity, meaning no need to swap between lenses and cover them in grubby fingerprints in the process. The lens has also undergone an oil-repelling treatment that helps rain and road spray run from its surface. Decathlon Van Rysel RoadR 900 Perf sunglasses Most riders will need to drink at least 500ml of fluids an hour when cycling, and even more if it's hot. You can use any water bottle, but a bidon comes with an easy-to-open valve that allows you to refresh as you ride, so you don't need to stop to unscrew any lids. The Camelbak Podium is a time-honoured design that can carry up to 710ml, allowing you to ride for longer without running dry, and its insulated version keeps contents cold. Camelbak Podium water bottle Road cyclists take pride in their tan lines, but protecting your skin is more important than chasing a golden glow. A sports-specific sunscreen will handle sweat better than an everyday cream, and Ultrasun's Sports Gel does the job without leaving any greasy marks on your clothes. The fast-absorbing gel is easier to apply than a spray, and means you can quickly see whether you've covered all your exposed skin before setting off. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Ultrasun sports gel SPF30 Instead of forking out for a dedicated cycling computer for navigation and tracking, your phone can perform a similar function if you arm it with the right apps (see below). To keep an eye on directions or distance covered, you'll want to attach it to your bike front and centre with a mount on your stem (the part that joins your handlebars to your fork). Quad Lock's offering might look simple, but its twist and dual-lock system means you can trust it will hold your phone in place, and the included cable ties will fix it firmly to your bike. Quad Lock Bike Mount Pro stem mount Quad Lock Mag case for iPhone Cycle enough and you'll eventually come a cropper with a mid-ride mechanical. A puncture is the most common culprit, so it's a good idea to arm yourself with the tools and knowhow to fix one. Tyre levers and a pump are a must, and carrying an inner tube or two that are the same size as those installed on your wheels will be the quickest fix. A puncture-repair kit is always a good backup too. For other issues, such as loose fittings or a broken chain, Crankbrothers' pocket-sized F16 multitool has the hex bolt bits to get you out of most scrapes. If you have any carbon fibre components, Topeak's Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ includes a torque gauge to stop you overtightening (and damaging) your bike. Crankbrothers F16 Multitool Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite NTX+ Pedro's tyre levers Decathlon inner tube repair patch replacement kit Lezyne V2 ABS pressure-drive hand pump A solid pair of shorts will go a long way to helping you avoid saddle sores, but applying a layer of chamois cream to the area pre-ride is a belt-and-braces approach. You need to apply only a small amount of this cooling, rehydrating formula from Assos to keep everything supple and chafe-free – even after 12 hours in the saddle. Assos chamois creme There's a cycling bag for every type of ride – from panniers perfect for the daily grind to the office, to big bikepacking setups that could survive a round-the-world expedition. For everyday exploring, though, you can't beat a handlebar bag. The 3.4l Lil Presto Barrel Bag by Wizard Works can comfortably carry a waterproof layer, nutritional provisions and a multitool, and its hard-shell Cordura construction will keep contents protected from the elements (with the rigidity making it easy to unzip on the go). Wizard Works Lil Presto barrel bag The cafe stop is a sacrosanct staple of any bike ride, and can sometimes be the sole motivation for saddling up. But cycling longer distances will require you to refuel well before you can tuck into your cappuccino and cake. Sports gels deliver a convenient, compact and easy-to-digest hit of carbohydrates, with a dose recommended every 20-30 minutes. Veloforte's energy gels are half the size of those from most other manufacturers, while the use of concentrated fruit juice rather than flavourings means you won't suffer from the flavour fatigue of more synthetic-tasting alternatives. Clif Bloks are a good option for those who prefer a more solid sugar hit. Veloforte Primo natural energy gel Clif Bloks Energy Chews Looking for some local ride inspiration, or planning something farther afield? There are a host of navigation apps that can suggest tailored tours based on duration, distance and difficulty, and their cycling-specific nature means you're rarely led astray (or on to a dual carriageway). Komoot is great for finding off-road-leaning trails and has its own easy-to-use route planner that includes user-recommended highlights. And if you already subscribe to Strava, in addition to tracking and displaying your speed and distance, the app has a route tool that can generate a loop based on the most popular roads and paths. For those who prefer printed guides, Jack Thurston's Lost Lanes books are a brilliant resource and offer well-researched routes with accompanying downloadable directions. Komoot Strava Lost Lanes Southern England Pounding the pedals can leave you with sore muscles, so ramp up your recovery with a massage gun. Theragun's third-generation Mini packs an almighty punch considering its size, and is small enough to stow in a pannier if you're out on a multi-day adventure. Its three-head attachments can delve deep into aches and pains in your quads, calves and lower back, and its guided routines are handy for those new to knot-busting. Theragun mini third generation For more, read our roundup of the best massage guns Charlie Allenby is a health and fitness journalist who puts running and cycling gear through its paces on increasingly ridiculous endurance challenges
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Sam Burgess reveals how Hollywood A-lister Russell Crowe lured him to the Rabbitohs - and it involves a prank call to Shane Warne and Leonardo DiCaprio
Sam Burgess had been 'hell-bent' on joining the Manly Sea Eagles. Under the stewardship of legendary coach Des Hasler, the Sea Eagles had gone on to win the 2008 premiership, having placed as a runner-up the year prior, before going on to win the flag again in 2011. The club was expanding and it was an attractive prospect for 'Slammin Sam' Burgess, who admitted he had been blowing up Hasler's phone with calls, even offering to play for the club for reduced fees. Multiple other clubs had been interested in snapping up the former Bradford Bulls star, who had his sights set on making a move Down Under to play in the NRL. But that's where Hollywood A-lister Russell Crowe stepped in. The Gladiator star and co-owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs had been over in the UK at the time filming Robin Hood and had heard through the grapevine that the now Warrington Wolves coach, Burgess, was making rumblings about a move to play rugby league in Australia. So Crowe got hold of Burgess' phone number and gave the footy star a quick call to see if he could tempt him to join the Bunnies. But speaking to cricket legends, David Lloyd, Sir Alastair Cook, Phil Tuffnell and Michael Vaughan on The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show, Burgess revealed he actuall snubbed Crowe's phone call because he thought someone was prank calling him. 'We were playing down in Wales at the time,' he said to The Overlap and Betfair's Stick to Cricket show. 'I'm just getting a massage - you're not really supposed to have your phone on the massage beds - but I took the call because I was taking anything at the time. It was Russell Crowe on the phone! 'I thought someone was pranking me, so I hung up. I thought: 'I'm not paying a fine just for someone on a prank phone call'. 'Anyway, he rang me back a few times, I let it go through.' After Burgess got off the massage bed, the Bradford Bulls star finally answered one of the Gladiator star's phone calls. 'He said: 'It's Russell Crowe. I want to catch up with you, I want to meet you. Do you want to come play in Australia?' 'I said: 'Yes, I do.' He said: 'Okay then. I'm filming a movie in Derby, I'll be there next week, you want to come down?'' Burgess, who had spent three years at Bradford before finally moving to the Souths in 2010, agreed to come down and asked the Hollywood star if he could bring some friends along with him. Crowe, keen to get the England star on board, obliged. 'So, I took four of my mates down and we go to this fancy hotel in Derby - can't remember what it's called - that's where he was staying,' he told the cricket legends. 'We arrive and security's there - 'Name? Where are you from? Who are you seeing?' - Yes, come in. My mates are all walking in, looking at this establishment. We sit and have dinner - the cutlery's laid out perfectly. Burgess and his friends sat down for dinner with Crowe but the footy great revealed that rugby was not spoken about once during the meeting. 'We end up having a great feed, didn't talk one thing about rugby, but we got a little bit p***ed,' he explained. 'They start bringing out desserts - they had like gold spoons, real gold. So, my mates are ordering extra desserts, saying, 'Yeah, get me one more of them please,' and they're pocketing the spoons. We get in the car on the way home and they've all got two or three spoons each - 'We're killing it, boys!' 'We didn't have any conversations about rugby.' Instead, they opted to play a few pranks on some of the illustrious names in Crowe's phone book, including Leonardo DiCaprio and legendary Aussie cricketer Shane Warne. 'We were prank calling off Russell's phone - that's how the night finished up. We prank-called all these movie stars,' he said. 'We rang Leonardo DiCaprio. We rang Shane Warne - Warney, big mate. We rang a few other people. I'm thinking, this is amazing, how fun is this?' After the lavish dinner, Burgess explained he went down to meet Crowe again where they talked shop. 'A couple of days later, I went down, and we spoke a bit more about the opportunity to play in the NRL and my ambitions as a player - I was only 20 at the time. From that day on we've been great mates. 'He's been true to his word: 'There won't be a door in the world I can't open, you just gotta walk through them.' And he's just such a great bloke. Loves his cricket.' The rest is history, with Burgess going on to cement himself as a legend of the club, helping lift the Bunnies to win their first premiership in 43 years during the 2014 season. He would go on to make 176 appearances for the footy club across two spells, sandwiched between a stint in rugby union back in England. He would notably pick up the Clive Churchill medal during the Grand Final that year, after suffering a horror head collision with fellow Brit James Graham in the opening minute of the match. Burgess had fractured his cheekbone in the collision and could barely see out of his right eye. 'First tackle of the game, I clash heads with James Graham a great mate of mine and smash my face up,' he told the podcast. 'I had no option but to come off. South Sydney hadn't won for 43 years. We'd had a great season, worked our backsides off, and now we're here. 'The trainer comes out, I tell him I'm in a bad way - he says: 'Oh f***'.' Burgess revealed to the podcast that he tested out the injury to see if he could keep playing. 'One of my thoughts was: 'I'm not going to have a beer tonight, because my face will be out here.' But I thought: 'Let's see how far I can get before I have to leave the field'. Tried running, tackling - pain was manageable - so I stayed on. 'At half-time, the doctor wants to assess me. I say: 'Doc, all due respect, I want to sit and listen to the coach, stay connected to the team'. In the second half, my brother George misses a tackle. I give him a spray: 'You lazy b******, I'm here covering you with my face busted - you better make it up'. Next set he scores one of the greatest individual tries in a grand final. The footy great revealed he didn't go to hospital after the game, instead joining his team-mates to celebrate the huge victory.
