One hundred and one (or one in seven) AFL players received a form of psychological help last year. When I first read Mark Stevens’ Herald Sun article, entitled ‘101 AFL players seek psychological help,’ I thought, “Good.” But on reflection, is this a good thing or a bad thing

Finally players are taking it upon themselves to realise that sometimes their lifestyle in professional AFL can bring on stress, depression and bad behaviour; it is neither healthy, nor acceptable and help is there, should they require it.

But then after re-reading the article, I thought, “Hang on, what does this actually mean?”

The counselling service, provided under the wellbeing program of the AFL Players’ Association, was introduced as a way for players experiencing such issues to overcome them privately, before they became public scandals splashed across back page dailies.

And to also extend a hand to those players who were struggling with the stresses that accompany professional AFL.

The problems that players sought counselling for included stress, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, gambling, low self-esteem and football performance.

There is certainly plenty to be worried about as an AFL player:

  • The high expectations from the club, coach, fans, and sponsors.
  • The intense schedule between playing, training and club duties.
  • The code of behaviour. It’s no longer acceptable to be caught drunk, disorderly, inappropriate in public (or even in private). Life as an AFL player is to embrace life as a role model, whether warranted or not.
  • The media, who will build you up, but pull you down just as easily, given the chance.
  • The job security,when every 2-4 years your future is unknown.

The AFLPA is of course impressed by these numbers seeking help, but exactly what are they indicative of?

Is this a sad story, or a positive one?

The number of players that sought help did not include those who were advised (forced) by their club to undergo counselling as a form of penalty. But how many of them had a ‘moment’ which prompted them to seek help? It may not have made the news, and the club may not have known either, but without this catalyst, help may never have been sought at all.

That could be (and I do stress these are the worst case scenario examples) excessive partying or gambling which leads to a ‘near miss’, or maybe they over-extended themself in off-field commitments, to the point where it started affecting their on-field performance.

It is good to know that players are seeking counselling, because it means they are gaining a better understanding of what is expected of them in modern professional sport, and where they might need help.

However, I question whether this ‘moment’, equally troubling than the problem itself, will ever be avoided? Or maybe it is just a necessity of life – to make mistakes and learn from them?

The number of 101 players is quite astounding. How must we feel knowing that many players are struggling with the rigours of an AFL playing career?

Stevens points out in his article that almost half of those players who sought counselling were between the ages of 19-23.

Indeed depression and its associated psychological problems are better received today than in years gone by, accepted by society as legitimate health issues, and Generation Y in particular are more informed than ever before.

But earlier this year when Brendan Fevola announced on the AFL Footy Show that he had attempted suicide while suffering severe depression, AFL watchers everywhere, paused.

Some felt sorry for him, and hailed his bravery in speaking up.

Meanwhile others laughed; yet another pathetic excuse from a desperate man ousted by his AFL club and on his last legs as a professional footballer.

I wonder how many will laugh, and how many will sympathise with these 101 players.

Is this number an adequate, yet disturbing reflection of the immense pressure we put on AFL players today? Is this the AFL trying to prove that action is being taken in response to the numerous scandals that have rocked the sport?

Or is it just a case of better self diagnosis by the players, realising that they have a problem worth talking about?

I, myself, am still unsure how to interpret this story. Is it hype, or real life? PR or progress?