Delisted West Coast Eagles defender Josh Rotham takes parting shot at keyboard ‘cowards’

Delisted West Coast defender Josh Rotham has taken a parting shot at keyboard “cowards” who feel the need to abuse players with private as well as public messages on social media.

The Eagles confirmed Rotham’s delisting on Monday after the 72-gamer announced his time at the club had come to an end with a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday night.

The 26-year-old said he understood the decision and that footy was a “ruthless industry” but added now that he had been let go, he wanted to call out critics who hide behind their keyboards.

“It’s just the nature of the beast in a way. Social media is so accessible now,” Rotham told SEN.

“I wouldn’t say this if I was still at the club, but I’m going to say it - there are people who can sit on the couch stuffing their face with pies and tell you how to play the game.

“I find it quite funny. As a player you’ve just got to find ways to block it out.

“Some of the stuff you can receive on social media in your direct messages is pretty disgusting. I just tried to ignore it and listen to people within the four walls over the last eight years.

“It’s tough but it’s what we sign up for. People are passionate about the game, there’s two sides to it. There can be some cowardly people going after you as a person.”

Rotham says he is yet to make a call on what his future holds despite rumours of interest from interstate clubs such as Essendon.

“I love footy, I’ll definitely be having a kick next year, it’s just a matter of where,” he said.

“I’ll leave that to my manager regarding interest from other clubs, but there have been a few phone calls made.

“But for now, I just want to decompress for a couple of weeks and work out what I want to do, whether it’s continue playing AFL footy or get a job and play at another level.

“I’m going to put my feet up for a couple of weeks, be with my thoughts, and we’ll go after that.”

Rotham was taken by the Eagles with pick 37 in the 2016 national draft from West Perth.