Fremantle speedster Nathan O'Driscoll has used his social media platform to open up about his mental health struggles, and how he came "extremely close" to taking his own life on multiple occasions.
O'Driscoll said the recent focus on mental health in the AFL had inspired him to share his story, and in saying that, hoping to help others.
The 23-year-old recently lost someone very close to him, but spread the love across Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
Dockers EGM of Football Joe Brierty was "incredibly proud" of O'Driscoll for opening up on his struggles.
"We are incredibly proud of Nathan for speaking so openly today about his mental health," Brierty said.
"This is a struggle many in our society deal with daily, and often silently, so it's an important conversation as our industry continues to evolve the mental health framework in place to support our people.
"While football is a high-performance environment, our priority will always be supporting our people.
"Our mental health and well-being team will continue to work very closely with Nathan to provide him with the support that he needs, while he also receives strong support from his family, friends, teammates and the broader club."
O'Driscoll's post comes in the wake of the mental episode Carlton's Elijah Hollands suffered two weeks ago, while Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson tragically lost his older brother.
Calls have come for a mental health round, heightened by when Geelong superstar Bailey Smith, who has shared his own battles publicly, once again brought it to everyone's attention.
O'Driscoll has played 40 games for Fremantle since 2022, and is the brother of AFLW star Emma and former Western Bulldogs player Aiden.
This article discusses mental health issues, suicide and other material that some people may find distressing. For immediate support please contact Headspace on 1800 650 890. You may also visit beyondblue.org.au or call the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636
