Fev opens up about mental health struggles in the AFL

Brendan Fevola led a raw and emotional discussion this morning on The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick, as he opened up about the mental health battles many AFL players face – both during and after their careers.

Following his heartfelt tribute to good friend Troy Selwood earlier this week and the tragic passing of Adam Hunter, Fev reflected on his own struggles, admitting he was embarrassed to talk about it.

The former Carlton full forward revealed he often cried alone in his car – too afraid to seek help.

He’s adamant that there needs to be more to shine a light on mental health for men in the AFL.

“I’ve had my own (mental health) battles. I was drafted at 17. I was in Year 12. I was immature; I hadn’t grown, I didn’t have a degree, I didn’t have a trade. I was straight into footy with no aspirations of doing anything else – all about footy. There wasn’t any time to get out into the workforce and study, there’s some stuff now that the AFLPA do, but the average footballer lasts 3 years; that’s their whole career. Then they go out and they’ve got nothing.”