'We can break down that macho stigma': Bartel's 'fix' for AFL fixture as Selwood death spotlight's urgent issue

Jimmy Bartel has backed calls for a mental health round to be introduced to the AFL competition calendar in wake of the death of West Coast Eagles great Adam Selwood.

Selwood died aged 41 on Saturday, just three months after his identical twin brother, Troy, took his own life.

Tributes flowed for the Selwood family over the weekend, with West Coast holding a minute's silence and wearing black armbands in his honour.

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Selwood's death has seen an increase in calls for the AFL to include a mental health round in the fixture to place a brighter spotlight on the issue.

The current season schedule includes Spud's Game - a tribute match led by St Kilda to honour club great Danny 'Spud' Frawley, who died in 2019.

The match aims to raise much-needed awareness and funds to help support those fighting mental health battles.

Asked if calls for a series of mental health matches should be included in the AFL's schedule, Bartel floated the idea to expand Spud's Game to fill a round.

"We've got Spud's Game which does an incredible amount of work with awareness and trying to open up the discussion," he told Nine's Today.

"Of course, St Kilda led the charge with that (and) that can be broadened out to every game in that round. I think it's a pretty easy fix.

"Like NRL and all sports in Australia, we have a fantastic platform that we can break down that macho stigma that you're a man, you've got to tuck it inside and bury all your emotions.

"We just want people to talk to each other, know that they are loved and share your problems.

"As they say, a problem halved is a problem shared."

Bartel recognised the "pure-class" message and tribute delivered by West Coast skipper Oscar Allen following his team's 28-point win over St Kilda.

Allen has dealt with his own mental health issues and spoke to Fox Footy about the need to do more to address the issue.

"It's great to win a game of footy but we have lost a legend of our club," Allen said.

"Mental health is such a massive thing in society at the moment. I've struggled with my own mental health battles this year.

"I am so fortunate to have great support around me... I just urge anyone out there who is struggling with anything to reach out to a helpline or friends reaching out to each other."

Reflecting on Selwood's death, Bartel urged anyone who is struggling with their mental health to reach out for support and help remove the stigma around the topic.

"Emotions are incredibly high, not only at West Coast but across the AFL world," he said.

"Dealing with his twin, Troy, only under six months ago and now unfortunately Adam has taken his own life.

"I think this is a huge issue across Australia, let alone in the football industry... hopefully it opens up the broader discussions around mental health.

"There's no words that you can offer the Selwood family. You just want to send your best wishes and let them know you're thinking of them. Everyone is throwing their arms around the family."

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000