Melbourne is in discussions to introduce a mental health awareness game next year, bringing along either Carlton or Essendon and Carlton in a bid to raise greater awareness to the societal problem.
Conversations occurred prior to Elijah Hollands' mental health episode last week, while Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson withdrew himself from Round 6 following the passing of his brother, alluding to the stresses and struggles people face.
The Male Hug (a not-for-profit organisation supporting men's mental health) CEO, Tony Rabah, who are partnering with the Demons to bring a dedicated match to the MCG, spoke to Zero Hanger about the prospect of the game.
Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra has hold conversations with The Male Hug, and was inspired by ambassador and Essendon icon Kevin Sheedy/
"I want to make the point that Kevin Sheedy was the one that came up with the concept," Rabah said.
"He can't get his head around the fact that seven men commit suicide every day. My philosophy is that if we shine the biggest light possible on the topic, then we go a long way in solving the issue, and there's no bigger light than at the MCG.
"Why not paint the MCG blue for men, and really shine the biggest light on men's mental health."
Guerra spoke to the Herald Sun about the concept, and discussed who the Demons would face.
"It is an important cause," Guerra said.
"For this (idea) to go further, we need to talk about it with another club, so there is still a bit to go (before it happens).
"It has to be another big Melbourne club. We don't have any hallmark games with Carlton or Essendon, one of those two clubs (could play).
"I know that Carlton is keen to find a marquee game as well, but I haven't spoken to Essendon yet."
Sheedy has been a pioneer for multiple causes, essentially implementing the Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon in 1995 to help support the Defence Forces, as well as the Dreamtime at the G clash, aiming to recognise contributions from Indigenous people to the game.
"We all love Sheeds and he has just been mighty for the game," Guerra said.
"When he comes to talk to you, you listen.
"He is right about the impact of people struggling with mental health. The question is can we build a game around that, and if we can raise awareness, then we would have a look at it.
"If we can help, and if we can build a crowd around that cause, it is something, as a club, that we would absolutely look at.
"They are preliminary conversations .. As I have said to Sheeds, before we jump into doing it, let's work this through so that it lasts.
"The impact that AFL football has on society now … people are looking for somewhere to belong and AFL has been that spot. We have to be very conscious of that as a club. Yes, we are out there to win, but we are also out there to make people have somewhere to go.
"For it to go further we need to talk about it (more) with the other club, we need to talk about it to the AFL, so there is a bit to go.
"But the cause is important."
Geelong star Bailey Smith has called the league to introduce a mental health round.
