This AFL miniseries puts mental health in the centre of the pitch

AIA Vitality and the AFL partner up for moving mini-series that documents the off-pitch highs and lows of life as a professional AFL player. 

‘When was the last time you cried?’ It’s a question you won’t find many men asking, and even fewer answering – even in today’s relatively open and accepting Australian society.

In an attempt to encourage more open conversations and normalise the idea of talking about mental health, ‘The Last Time I Cried’ – a collaboration between AIA Vitality and AFL Media – features nine of the AFL’s biggest names as they join host Hamish McLachlan to reflect on their lowest moments.

Because not even Australia’s strongest, toughest and fastest sporting icons can outrun mental health issues.    

The miniseries features real people with real experiences breaking down the barriers and expectations that come with being a professional athlete.

Proudly vulnerable, guests such as Trent Cotchin, Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Boyd, Alex Johnson and Gilbert McAdam talk openly about their personal journey, aiming to address the stigma often associated with men sharing their emotions.

The first episode premiers May 11 on AFL.com.au and AIA Vitality channels, with Campbell Brown. The Hawthorn premiership player talks openly about love, family and the heartbreaking loss of his mother in an emotional tribute, discussing the importance of allowing yourself to be vulnerable in times of grief.

“These stories show that even the toughest of footballers have real emotions and that no-one is without incident,” said host Hamish McLachlan

“Our guests have shown true strength through vulnerability and we hope that the more we share our stories, the more people understand its ok to be emotional or seek help with how they are feeling.” 

AIA Australia and New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer, Damien Mu, is proud to partner with the AFL to bring this mini-series to life. “Our modern lifestyle and the stress of our current environment affects the mental health and wellbeing of everyone,” he said. “So through this partnership we want help people know they are not alone in how they may be feeling and inspire them to share their feelings and stories with others to give hope to all.”

“The AFL shares similar passions and values to ours, around family, community, mental and physical health and wellbeing – so it made sense to collaborate and raise awareness within the footy community to look after themselves, and each other, especially at this time” Mu said.

The Last Time I Cried is brought to you by AIA Vitality in partnership with the AFL. To learn more about AIA and AIA Vitality, please click here.

Lifeline is an Official Charity Partner of the AFL, which provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Lifeline is a national charity and relies on community support. Donate online or call 1800 800 768 to support Lifeline.

For crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances 

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The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.