Brendan Fevola Calls for Greater Awareness in AFL Following Tragic Losses

AFL legend Brendan Fevola has urged the sport to enhance support for players transitioning to life after their football careers.

The former forward, who played 204 games, became emotional on his radio show earlier this week following the tragic news of his close friend Troy Selwood’s death at a Geelong residence on Monday.

Selwood’s unexpected passing at just 40 years old sent shockwaves across the league. The following day, it was reported that the body of 43-year-old Adam Hunter was discovered south of Perth. Hunter, an Eagles icon, was instrumental in the club’s 2006 premiership victory.

Authorities have confirmed that neither death is being treated as suspicious.

NRL player Nicho Hynes addressed an audience on Wide World of Sports this week, emphasising the need for men everywhere to voice their struggles rather than suffer in silence.

Fevola echoed this sentiment, acknowledging his own struggles with mental health.

“During my tough times, I kept everything to myself,” he reflected on Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick on Friday.

“I thought that as a prominent footy player making a good income, if I opened up, people would judge me. I feared they’d think, ‘What do you have to be unhappy about? You’re earning well; there’s no reason to feel this way.’

“I felt ashamed and didn’t want to express how I felt, worried that others would think less of me. I believe this is a common mindset among many men.”

“I would often find myself in the car on the way home, crying quietly.”

Fevola is now calling for the AFL to proactively assist players in preparing for life beyond football.

He advocates for increased attention to men’s mental health by the league.

St Kilda has initiated the annual Spud’s Game in honour of Saints legend Danny Frawley, who tragically lost his life in 2019 at age 59 in a single-vehicle accident that the police deemed non-suspicious.

Nevertheless, Fevola insists that more action is necessary.

“When you’re in football, it’s an all-consuming commitment – you train, attend meetings, and have a full schedule. It’s like being at a military base,” he explained.

“Your time is meticulously planned, and being late is simply not an option. But once you retire, if you haven’t adequately prepared for the future – as I failed to do – you can feel utterly lost.

“You find yourself realising, ‘My football career has ended; what now? Oh no, I don’t even have to be anywhere.’ This leads to bad habits and oversleeping.”

“I genuinely believe that the AFL is not providing enough support or shedding enough light on men’s mental health issues.

“I think it’s vital for the AFL to introduce a mental health round to foster conversation not only among football players but also reaching out to young tradespeople and others in the workforce facing difficult times.”

“This topic deserves far more attention.”

If you or someone you know requires immediate support, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. In case of an emergency, call 000.