It is approaching a decade since East Fremantle forward Cam Eardley lost his younger brother Kai to suicide. Kai was just 20 years old, one of three brothers, and according to Cam, 'the most talented out of all of us.'
'He really did have everything,' Cam said. 'He was naturally bright, hard-working, very talented and really popular. But he had struggled to navigate his early 20s and unfortunately 10 years ago, we didn't have the resources that we do now.'
Cam, along with his brother Joe — who share a tattooed tribute covering their hearts — and their mother Caire, honoured Kai's memory in 2016 by establishing the Kai Eardley Foundation, now known as the Kai-Fella Foundation after Kai's nickname. The foundation aims to create positive change for the mental health of today's youth.
At a time when mental health has returned to the national sporting spotlight, East Fremantle and the Eardley family will take another significant step in honouring their pledge to keep Kai's flame burning. The Sharks' round 12 clash with Claremont on Saturday, June 27 at Good Grocer Park will be dedicated as the Kai-Fella Foundation Match.
The match will be focused on raising awareness and support for mental health. As part of the initiative, the senior and reserves teams will play in a unique guernsey featuring the names of 200 people. Members, supporters, and the general public will have the opportunity to honour a loved one, friend, or family member who has experienced their own mental health journey by purchasing a jumper.
For a cost of $150, their name will be printed on the jumper, which will be auctioned after the game. Proceeds will contribute additional funds to the Kai-Fella Foundation while also supporting the football club.
'There's a bit of inspiration taken from the Spud Frawley Game at St Kilda which supports mental health,' Cam said. 'If you buy a jumper your name goes on it and you also get to keep it, which is a pretty good deal.' Cam has played 200 games with the Sharks, punctuated by a two-year stint in the AFL with Geelong.
The Kai-Fella Foundation runs workshops, and the family has a goal of making them available to every young Australian. For more details, visit kaifella.com.au or effc.com.au.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
