The AFL in partnership with the AFLPA, Black Dog Institute, the Danny Frawley Community and Everymind yesterday hosted a mental health media roundtable - Words in Play: Mental Health and Football.
The collaborative event, attended by leading AFL journalists, Richmond’s Kate Dempsey, and St Kilda’s Liam Stocker, encouraged a group discussion that will play a key role in the development of best practice guidance for safe reporting about mental health across the industry.
Yesterday’s event was held in the lead up to Spud’s Game this Sunday at Marvel Stadium where the industry will unite for a historic AFL and AFLW double-header in support of mental health.
Spud’s Game, now in its sixth year, has become Australia’s largest mental health fundraising event in sport - honouring the legacy of St Kilda great, Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley.
AFL Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Dr Kate Hall said:
“Player health and wellbeing is the AFL’s highest priority.
“The AFL was the first sport to implement a whole-of-sport, system-wide mental health and wellbeing strategy that places equal emphasis on responding to mental health challenges and harnessing the power of our game to protect and promote mental fitness for our footy community.
“Since launching the strategy, the AFL has invested more than $7.5 million in mental health and wellbeing initiatives spanning promotion, early intervention and treatment, supporting both our players and the broader football community.
“The media roundtable forms part of that ongoing commitment as we build towards Spud's Game 6.
“Reporting about the mental health of players in our game can be a powerful force for good for the millions of Australians and their families impacted by mental health challenges or suicide.
“When mental health is reported thoughtfully and responsibly, it can challenge stigma, normalise help-seeking, and give people hope.
“Danny Frawley challenged all of us to think differently about how we talk about mental health, vulnerability and seeking support. His legacy continues to have a profound impact on our game.”
Since launching the whole-of-sport, system-wide strategy in 2024, the AFL has:
- Invested more than $7.5 million in mental health and wellbeing, with investment growing each year
- Reached more than 45,000 community participants with mental health programs across all states and territories
- Reached more than 1 million Australians annually through mental fitness campaigns
- Ensured every player in every AFL & AFLW program has access to 24/7 mental healthcare and will have a full-time club psychologist by 2028
- Supported 99% of AFL/AFLW players to complete training on how to look after their mental health and where to go for help
As part of the AFL Industry Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the League has also implemented the following initiatives at the elite level for AFL clubs:
- AFL/W Player Mental Healthcare Roadmap
- AFL funded industry-first 24/7 helpline – PLAY ON in partnership with Converge
- Dedicated mental health soft cap concessions for clubs
- AFL funded centralised player mental health referral network and inpatient services, so every player has access to specialist mental healthcare
- Industry Social, Emotional, Cultural Wellbeing (SECWB) Framework by and for First Nations peoples to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ wellbeing
- AFL funded Indigenous psychologists’ network for culturally informed mental healthcare
- AFL funded dedicated culturally affirming care for Talent and Diversity Academy Players
- AFL funded dedicated wellbeing program delivered throughout talent pathways to build resilience and protective factors before entering the system
- Mental health screening of all talent pathways players at draft
- All AFL/W and club staff, coaches and umpires have access to proactive holistic 24/7 mental health support
