Geelong superstar Bailey Smith has called on the AFL to introduce a mental health round after a trying week for the sport.
The AFL world were rocked earlier in the week by sudden death of Jordan Dawson’s brother Jaryd.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Bailey Smith calls for mental health round
And mental health was thrust in the spotlight on Thursday night when Carlton young gun Elijah Hollands suffered a “mental health episode” during a close loss to Collingwood.
Hollands tallied just one kick in the match, but concerning footage emerged of the 23-year-old erratically running around and making odd gestures to teammates.
Speaking after Geelong’s big win over the Western Bulldogs, Smith paid tribute to the Dawson family and Hollands’ situation in a raw interview.
“There’s one thing I want to touch on, which is maybe out of pocket, but I just want to shout out the Dawson family this week and Elijah Hollands last night,” he told Channel 7.
“I don’t know if I’m out of pocket saying it, but I think it’s about time the AFL get a men’s mental health round.
“It just makes me feel sick during the week and hopefully the AFL community wraps their arms around them and we can do something.
“That’s put a damper on the week.”
Smith, who has previously been open about his own mental health struggles, said the AFL world can be “toxic” at times.
“I think it’s just human nature to rally around. I think the footy world can be quite toxic at times and I think it is good at putting our arms around the people that need it most when we need to,” he said.
“So I think we do both and yeah, it’s just stuff you don’t really like seeing and if there’s something I can leave anyone with, it’s just speak to your mates, put your arm around your loved ones.
“You never know who might need it and yeah, I just hope we can get better moving forward.”
Channel 7 commentator Matthew Richardson backed Smith’s call and suggested tying it into the round, which includes Spud’s Game that pays tribute to Danny Frawley.
Last year, Smith opened up on spending time in a mental psych ward as his mental health deteriorated while recovering from a knee reconstruction.
“It was about a year ago I got out of a psych ward, I was in Epworth Camberwell for like four weeks,” he said at last year’s All-Australian awards night.
“I got a couple of hours out a day, and I spent that time training and I went through a really dark time.
“I didn’t think I’d get to the other side and I’m super grateful to be here through the support of my family. My manager Robbie (D’Orazio), been there through the shocking times.
“I know it’s just an injury but until you experience it and have a sense of identity taken away from you and go through some teething issues with moving clubs and outside noise and still trying to just grow up and rehab a knee.
“I’m super grateful to be on the other side of it and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Certainly surprised to be where I am.”
Meanwhile, the AFL has been in contact with Carlton on Friday about how to best support Hollands, saying it was in ongoing discussions with the club.
The Blues released an update late on Friday, saying the club would “provide close and ongoing care” after Hollands suffered a mental health episode during the game.
“He is continuing to receive the appropriate level of medical and wellbeing support, with Hollands’ welfare remaining the number one priority,” the Carlton statement read.
“The club also remains in contact with the AFL and the AFLPA, given the complicated nature of what occurred on Thursday night.
“While the club acknowledges the public interest, it asks that Hollands’ privacy be respected, with the primary focus on ensuring he receives the level of care he needs, before a further update can be provided at an appropriate time.”
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
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