We as a club cannot sit idly by and do nothing. This has to be a line in the sand for our club and its ex players who are dealing with depression. The club needs to institute a program where any of our ex players can get access to a psychologist or social worker free of charge to help them through. This is an opportunity to do something great. Too help and to avoid another tragedy. We could even name such a program after Shane Tuck. It doesnt matter if he wasnt a superstar, he was a Tiger Warrior and one of our boys.
I share your sentiments Ramps, wholeheartedly
But this isn't just a Richmond issue this is an AFL issue
The AFLPA have the very programs you are talking about as do by extension all Clubs. But as is the way in so many cases people have to either admit they need help or be prepared to take the help when it is offered
I think we have seen over the last 6-12 months in particular the issues players face when they leave the "system", how many face struggles and issues
While in the "system" their lives are so regimented and controlled. Once that is over so many seem unable to cope without that structure. it is so sad. Even more so in this case as 2 young children will grew up without a fother
It is one of the reasons I am so concerned with the AFL's obsession to cut lists under the guise of COVID. What sort of impact is it going to have?
AFL needs to be very careful and maybe (so very sadly) this might be the wake up call
