Matildas captain Sam Kerr has defended her comments about ‘haters’ by reposting just one of the homophobic attacks that she received on social media.

After the 3-2 win over Brazil last week the star striker said the team’s critics could “suck on that one”, prompting criticism of her tone after earlier poor performances by the team.

In camp, AAP reports that the Matildas have made known their distaste for opinions that linked their capitulation against Italy to the tumultuous coaching switch from Alen Stajcic to Ante Milicic.

But Kerr has also taken aim at trolls and homophobes, screen-grabbing an abusive text and tweeting it alongside a message: “For people getting upset about there being ‘no’ haters”.

Tweet from @samkerr1

The tweet has been shared widely, with most comments supporting Kerr and her teammates and urging her to ignore trolls.

Kerr made no secret of her long-term partner, club teammate Nikki Stanton, but she’d never made a coming out splash.

That is, until a Nike-commissioned advertisement landed two months ago in which she talked lovingly of Stanton, their life together, and the American’s unwavering support as she recuperated from a knee injury.

“No, it wasn’t (my big ‘coming out’ moment). It was the first time publicly talking about it,” she told AAP.

“It was just a small part of the story and everyone kind of latched on to that part and I was like, ‘I didn’t even think about that’.

“If I was to have a coming out moment, I guess it would be like that, really subtle. But everyone thought it was kind of cool, because it just happened subtly and organically, naturally.”

Chloe Logarzo is another Matilda who is open about her sexuality.

“It’s really lovely. It’s nice to to see it happen, people being comfortable in their own skin.” she told AAP of Kerr’s message.

“People were very worried about how they were going to be viewed as footballers and as humans.

“Now that gay marriage has been legalised, maybe everyone is getting their head around it.”

Proud of her team: Chloe Logarzo. Photo: Getty

The Matildas stand in stark contrast with the many male professional teams across the codes, which boast a grand total of zero openly gay members.

“We reflect society … there’s different types of people,” Kerr said.

“Michelle was really proud and out there. I am who I am.

“That’s the cool part about it. People get to see real people in this team.”

Kerr said playing with the Matildas helped her come to grips with her sexuality.

“When you’re growing up, and you’re questioning ‘Am I gay or not?’, these girls helped me go through that moment,” she said.

It’s a really cool and welcoming place and that’s what we want our fans to feel.”

Judging by the fan mail, Matildas supporters are feeling that in droves.

The team is regularly cited as the country’s most popular sporting outfit and as role models, for their attitudes as much as their ability.

Logarzo said their ‘no judgement’ mantra brought her in touch with fans and young players seeking support.

“The amount of people that message me to get some advice because they’re a bit lost in their lives. It’s really nice,” the 24-year-old said.

“I try and message everyone that I possibly can because for me, I really just want to help.”

Logarzo has learned when to forward on fans to the appropriate services for intervention, and when she can help personally.

“The legacy that I want to leave is helping any young girl believe in themselves and really be comfortable in themselves,” she said.

“It’s amazing to be able to be a role model for someone because I guess when we were growing up there wasn’t really that many female athletes like me that you can really look up to. For me, that’s a massive thing.

“Especially with someone where they can’t feel comfortable enough to tell their own family.”

-with AAP