The football community was left devastated after the sudden death of former West Coast Eagles premiership player Adam Selwood in May — just months after the suicide of his twin brother and former Brisbane player, Troy Selwood.
In response, football clubs across regional Western Australia are reassessing how well they support the mental health of their players.
According to advocacy group Think Mental Health, one person in WA dies by suicide each day — and three out of four are men.
Geraldton Clubs Confront Grief and Take Action
In Geraldton, about 400km north of Perth, the impact of suicide has been felt deeply and repeatedly within local sports teams.
Grant Russell, head trainer at Railways Football Club, has personally experienced these losses — including close friends and fellow club members.
“When I lost a very good mate to suicide, I just kept asking myself, ‘Why? What did we miss?’” he said.
Diagnosed with bipolar nearly 20 years ago, Russell, known as “Grunter,” uses his personal experience to support others facing mental health challenges.
“I know what it’s like to feel lost in the darkness,” he said. “Being part of the club helps me every single day.”
Earlier this month, a teammate at Railways attempted to take their own life — a moment Russell said sparked a wake-up call for the club.
“It shouldn’t take something like that for us to take action.”
Awareness Through Sport
The Great Northern Football League now hosts two mental health-themed rounds each season. Russell has pushed for visibility by having players and umpires wear blue armbands and placing “Think Mental Health” signage on goalposts.
“When people ask why only one post is covered — that’s the point. We want people to ask questions, to start conversations.”
Russell stresses that while talking is important, listening is vital.
Breaking Stigma in Regional Towns
In Northampton, 50km north of Geraldton, Northampton Rams Football Club president Anthony Jupp said the loss of local players to suicide has taken a toll on the tight-knit community.
“In the country, it’s often about isolation. Some players feel completely alone, not knowing how much they mean to others,” he said.
He also pointed to the region’s persistent “she’ll be right” mentality as a barrier to seeking help.
“A lot of guys don’t think they need support, or they’re just too nervous to ask.”
Jupp believes group conversations at the club can break through that hesitation — even if just one or two people open up, it makes a difference.
Calls for National Action
Russell hopes the AFL will introduce a mental health round at the national level.
“It’s OK to not be OK. That’s more than a slogan — it’s something we need to truly believe and act on,” he said.
Carrissa Bellottie, president of the Great Northern Football League, said she was surprised the AFL hasn’t yet introduced such a round, given regional clubs have been leading the way.
“We’ve been doing this for years — it makes a difference,” she said.
Programs like Tackle Your Feelings, backed by Country Footy WA, provide psychologist-led training to help local clubs identify and support players struggling with mental health.
Government and AFL Support
WA Sports Minister Rita Saffioti acknowledged the important role football clubs play in mental health advocacy.
“We’ll continue working with communities and the AFL to raise awareness and support mental wellbeing,” she said in a statement.
The AFL has implemented a mental health strategy since 2020 and partners with the Black Dog Institute through annual initiatives like Spud’s Game. The AFL Players Association also provides services for both current and former players.
If you or someone you know needs support:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- 13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Line) – 13 92 76
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
- MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
- Headspace – 1800 650 890
- ReachOut – au.reachout.com
- QLife – 1800 184 527
