Fremantle midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll has received widespread support from the AFL community after bravely sharing his mental health struggles, including three instances where he came close to taking his own life.
The 23-year-old took to Instagram to reveal his four-year battle with anxiety, writing that despite outward appearances, he has experienced deep depressive states. His honest post included the revelation that he had been extremely close to suicide on three separate occasions.
The response from the football world was immediate and overwhelming. Current and former teammates flooded his post with messages of love and support. Vice-captain Caleb Serong wrote, “Love you mate,” while wingman Jeremy Sharp added, “Always here drizz.”
Support also came from Fremantle’s AFLW stars, including Kiara Bowers and Ebony Antonio, whose teammate Emma O’Driscoll is Nathan’s sister. His younger brother Aiden, who was forced to retire from the AFL before playing a game for the Western Bulldogs, also shared a heartfelt message: “We all love you Nath. I’ll always be here for you, the best big brother anyone could ask for.”
Even the heated cross-town rivalry was set aside as West Coast’s official Instagram page commented with a purple love heart.
In his post, O’Driscoll explained his decision to speak out: “I wasn’t going to post this, but with the recent focus on mental health around the league, it feels like the right time. Over the past four years, I’ve had some incredible highs, but also some very low moments. I’ve struggled with anxiety, a constant need to feel like I belong, and always putting others before myself.”
He added, “From the outside, it might look like I have everything, but what’s going on internally can be a very different story. Everyone is dealing with something, and it’s okay to not be okay.”
O’Driscoll’s emotional admission comes amid growing calls for the AFL to introduce a dedicated mental health round. This follows Carlton’s Elijah Hollands being hospitalised after a mental health episode during a game against Collingwood, prompting an AFL investigation.
West Coast’s Brady Hough and Liam Baker have also backed the idea, after Geelong superstar Bailey Smith called for a men’s mental health round in an unprompted post-game interview earlier this month. “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,” Smith said after Geelong’s win over the Western Bulldogs.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
