EXCLUSIVE: New data shows significantly more ex AFL players than ever seeking mental health support

Retired AFL players are seeking significantly more mental health support than ever before, according to new data.

The AFL Players' Association tracks its mental health service, which offers free, confidential and independent counselling for any male or female footballer who has played at least one game at the top level.

Players and their significant others have access to more than 500 mental health experts, stationed around Australia, for life.

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And figures provided to 9News Melbourne this week demonstrate a huge spike in players seeking support via the service.

Last year 429 alumni (or their significant other) sought mental health support via the AFLPA, a 23.6 percent increase from 2023.

There was also a whopping 38 percent climb in the number of consults from 2023 to 2024.

From 2021 to 2024, the number of former players seeing a mental health expert has doubled.

According to the AFLPA's general manager of member programs and services Ben Smith, the spike in numbers is not cause for alarm.

"The large percentage of our alumni cohort are middle aged men," Smith said to 9News Melbourne.

"And middle aged men have the highest rates of depression in our community, so it's sort of to be expected that we would see volume in our network seeking help. It replicates the community.

"The second part of the growth is attributed to the work we've done with our playing group. They are more aware of the services in place, taking away barriers and feeling more comfortable to ask for help."

Smith added: "I certainly don't see the data as discouraging. We have seen players come earlier for help than we have before.

"Going back further, it would often be at the end of that continuum of mental health when the challenges were significant… There has certainly been a shift, which allows for earlier intervention."

The process to access support is the same for every retired player. After getting in touch with the AFLPA, they can speak to an in-house psychologist, who then triages them out to a professional of their choice.

The AFLPA also provides a counselling service to current players.

In 2023 it provided 1297 consults to 155 players. The 2024 numbers will be released in May.

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