“The landscape we now operate in as an industry is more challenging than ever, for players, administrators, boards and coaches. This is leading to a wide range of issues around contentment. I hope in the future we can find a better balance in how we view the game; regardless of result otherwise I do fear for people’s genuine love of the game.”
A quote from departing Adelaide coach Don Pyke at a press conference on September 12th of this year.
To hear those words from someone who just a month ago was at the helm of an AFL club gives you an idea of the current football climate, for all of those who have a stake in the game.
The comment came just three days after the tragic death of former AFL player, coach, administrator and media personality Danny Frawley in a car crash in country Victoria.
Frawley’s death sent shockwaves through not only the football fraternity but more broadly through society, the former St Kilda captain and Richmond coach killed when his car hit a tree outside of Ballarat on Monday September 9th, a day after his 56th birthday.
His death has not been added to the Victorian road toll, subject to a coronial inquest.
Affectionately known by all and sundry as ‘Spud’ after growing up on a potato farm in Bungaree, Frawley was in his later years a star on our television screens on the Fox Footy program ‘Bounce’ a light heated family entertainment program that put a smile on our faces at the end of a weekend of football.
Always A Saint: Danny Frawley played 240 games for St Kilda, captaining the club in 177 of those. SOURCE: Players Voice website.
It was just the tonic people needed heading in to a new working week, whether it was his jostling with long-time colleague and former adversary Jason Dunstall, the ‘Golden Fist’ award to recognise defenders efforts in the round, or the famed dribble kicks that would rile ‘Chief’ so much. He looked happy; we were in turn left feeling happy.
Underneath the smile Frawley was battling his own mental demons that stemmed from his time in the game coaching and then as CEO of the Coaches Association.
It was hard to understand how someone who was feeling so blue could make us all smile so regularly. But that’s the thing; mental health doesn’t discriminate, and often masks itself behind a glowing smile.
Frawley had been open in discussing his battles with his mental health in recent years, even fronting his own radio show on Melbourne radio station 1116 SEN in 2018 titled ‘You Never Walk Alone’ where he implored men (and women) to be more open about their mental health struggles in order to seek the appropriate help.
Dynamic Duo: Jason Dunstall and Danny Frawley pose for a photo to celebrate their 350th episode earlier this year. SOURCE: Fox Sports Website.
‘Mental health’ is an expression that we now commonly identify with. It is treated rightfully as an illness that requires treatment, rather than in a previous era it might have been seen as a sign of weakness.
Anxiety and depression are two of the most oft-identified factors with one’s mental health, and can often lead to erratic behaviour, mood swings and sleep deprivation.
In the past few seasons of AFL football more and more players have taken time away from the game to focus on their own mental health and wellbeing, Jack Steven, Dayne Beams and Aaron Hall just some of the high profile players battling their own demons.
Social media has seen the game explode as a product in recent years, but also made it far easier for internet trolls to attack players without fear of punishment. Players have now taken to pointing out these trolls on various social media channels, but for the most part it doesn’t deter those who are willing to take pot shots at stars of the game, not caring for the emotional toll it might take.
Another season of AFL concluded last weekend. For all of the issues around the state of the game, low scoring, rule changes and draft concessions, mental health is now the biggest issue in the sport, and more broadly in society.
The pain felt in the aftermath of Danny Frawley’s death was palpable. Sadly so many of us know the pain of losing someone close to us in such a fashion. Sometimes it’s not even someone we know.
Life of a Coach: Danny Frawley in the final year of his coaching tenure at Richmond in 2004. SOURCE: Fox Sports website.
Never has a celebrity death hit me harder than Robin Williams in 2014. One of the funniest, freewheeling characters on the planet that made us all laugh, a comedic genius with an incredible gift took his own life after battling depression. Yet another example that mental illness doesn’t discriminate.
“We live in a world that expects men to be tough, to be strong, to be stoic, resilient but also unemotional. A world that judges, criticises, labels. Men who show vulnerability, sensitivity, insecurity and their emotions. Being emotional as a man is often seen as weak or soft. That somehow you’re not a man, you’re not man enough, or even good enough. The male mantra harden up, suck it up, man up has been handed down from generation to generation like it’s some sort of badge of honour that teaches us from a very early age that to be a man, a real man you need to be tough, you don’t cry, talk or show your emotions. These messages are damaging and destructive, and in my opinion are leading to a growing number of males, from young boys to older men across our great country who are in pain, hurting and are perhaps paralysed by the suffocating fear of being judged, seen as weak, or losing respect. Some of us choose to stay silent. Because of fear. The fear of losing everything, even if that means it’s at the expense of your own health and wellbeing. It’s time to challenge the old way, a narrative that no longer serves us. It’s not about blame or shame; it’s about responsibility and opportunity. To quote Danny, manning up in the past was to suffer in silence, manning up now is to put your hand up. Fellas it’s ok to be in pain. It’s ok to be sad. But it’s no longer okay to suffer in silence.”
A small snippet of Wayne Schwass’ emotionally poignant speech at Danny’s funeral.
A star footballer who battled with his own demons during his playing career and subsequently afterward, Schwass is now doing great things in helping remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
The modern world has more stresses and strains than ever before. Social media has created a dangerous and ultimately inaccurate conception of reality and for all the good that it does in keeping you connected with family and friends it can be a dangerous tool that spreads as much hate as it does love.
In my opinion more resources are needed from the federal government in regards to mental health, and it needs to be the number priority for all employers in every profession in this country. More and more is being done to address people’s mental health, but we can still do more.
Always the Funny Man: Frawley and Dunstall during one of their infamous ‘Yesterdays Heroes’ challenges. SOURCE: Fox Sports Website.
We need more doctors, more clinical help for those who need it. Employers need to be more willing to listen to their employees and more receptive to help should it be required.
As devastating as Spud’s passing has been for the football community and those close to him, it may help those who are struggling reach out for help and get better.
Danny’s death was just three days before ‘R U OK’ Day, a day where people are encouraged to send people who might be doing it tough a message to reach out.
Every day should be ‘R U OK’ Day. Check on your mates, check on your family members. Care for others and be there if they need you, as you would expect from them.
Final Farewell: Danny Frawley’s casket leaves Moorabbin one final time. SOURCE: Fox Sports Website.
It’s going to be a tough day next footy season when we have ‘Bounce’ back on our screens and Spud isn’t there with the Golden Fist, or some ridiculous costume that has us all in stitches. The show will go on, as it must. But we will all feel the sadness his departure has left, and hopefully his tragic death will encourage those to seek help should they need it.
Vale Spud, we’ll miss you, but you won’t ever be forgotten. And your work surrounding mental health will forever be trail blazing. Rest easy, mate.
A Footy Tribute: West Coast players observe a minutes silence to honour the life of Danny Frawley ahead of week two of the AFL finals. SOURCE: Fox Sports Website.
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By Jacob Landsmeer.
Jacob Landsmeer is a sports broadcaster on 91.3 Sport FM in Perth. He blogs here at zombiecrowscricket. Follow him on Twitter: @jlandsme_93
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