St Kilda's Tim Membrey has recently opened up about his ongoing mental health battle, which resulted in him withdrawing from the 2023 Elimination Final against the Giants.
Following a challenging year which included nursing a troublesome knee injury for the majority of the year - resulting in only seven games - Membrey revealed the difficulties in what he was experiencing.
On the eve of the 2024 season, the 29-year-old was hoping that "sharing my story it can encourage" others to seek help according to AFL.com.au.
"Last year didn't end the way I wanted it to end, but looking back on that now, it was something I had probably been dealing with for a long time and probably putting a mask on at times," Membrey said.
"I didn't know how to deal with what I was going through, who to speak to, who to trust. My wife certainly knew what I was going through and she was pushing me to get help, but I didn't really know what to do or how to get help. Ultimately, I had to get on top of it pretty quickly. Thank God I did."
Membrey acknowledges how "proud" he was to come forward and seek help during his difficult times whilst also paying tribute to his wife, Emily, and his two young daughters, Beau and Wren.
His family, along with the club, have helped him to a point where he is confident to resume his AFL career, as the forward readies himself for the Round 1 clash with Geelong.
"Probably the toughest thing when I look back on the whole experience is with the girls going through it all," Membrey continued.
"You get yourself in a headspace and you're not really thinking at times. Emily has been a great support my whole life, really; I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for her.
"To have our two little girls, Wren and Beau, they are just amazing.
"The club has been unbelievable. It's a really tight playing group, the coaches are super supportive."
Membrey is hoping to suit up for the game against the Cats at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, March 16.
