There will be more than four premiership points up for grabs on Saturday night at the MCG with the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn also competing for the AFL beyondblue Cup.
The theme of this year’s Cup is #LookOut4Mates, with all supporters urged to keep an eye out for their friends just like their heroes do on the ground.
beyondblue Chairman The Hon. Jeff Kennett AC said: “This year marks the Cup’s 10th anniversary and in that time help-seeking for mental illness has risen, people are more willing to talk about mental health and the community understands these issues much better,” he said.
“I’m grateful to Hawthorn for supporting the Cup from its inception, and for Sydney’s recent support, because by bringing these issues to the attention of millions of people, community attitudes around mental health have been shifted.
“Each week, these fans watch the players look out for their teammates and now we’re asking fans to do the same for their mates. Despite the gains made in mental health, there is still a long way to go because every day in Australia seven people die from suicide, five of whom are men. This is because too many men wrongly think that seeking support is a sign of weakness, or they don’t want to be a burden to others.
“If you know someone who might be struggling, have a conversation with them. If you’re unsure about how to do this, more advice can be found at www.beyondblue.org.au/someone-you-are-worried-about Reaching out to your mate could be the best thing you ever do for them.”
Fans on the night will be encouraged to tweet the #Lookout4Mates hashtag and help spread the message that it’s important to support your friends through a tough time.
Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge said: “We’ll always look out for our mates and stand-up for them when they’re in trouble on the ground. But when they get a big knock off the ground we’re there too because a real friend is there all the time. Depression and anxiety can affect anyone, even the toughest of blokes, but with strong support from friends the road to recovery is a lot easier.”
Sydney Swans co-captain Kieren Jack said: “One in six Australians is currently experiencing depression, an anxiety condition, or both, which means most people know someone who is struggling at the moment. Your support and concern for a friend who may be going through a tough time could make all the difference.”
beyondblue’s big blue bus, which has travelled more than 50,000km around Australia engaging communities about mental health, will be outside gate 3 at the MCG before the game.
Earlier this week in Sydney, Swans pair Nick Smith and Dane Rampe had an opportunity to catch up beyondblue ambassadors at training before they toured the Swans facilities.
If you’re concerned about a friend or are struggling a bit yourself, mental health professionals can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the beyondblue Support Service, on 1300 22 4636. The Support Service can also be accessed via webchat from 3pm to midnight or via email at www.beyondblue.org.au
