Essendon Past Players & Officials Mental Health Program

Sponsored by the Biasin family

WHY MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS?

The EFCPP&OA recognise that wellness looks different for everyone. That’s why we’re committed to supporting you in a way that makes sense for you—on your terms, every day.

Our focus is on creating an inclusive, supportive environment where you can define what wellness means in your own life. That means taking a holistic view of health—backing you, encouraging you, and ensuring you have the time and space to prioritise your wellbeing.

We also acknowledge that mental health is an increasing concern in the broader community and a critical issue within the AFL industry. In response, we’re introducing a series of targeted initiatives designed to better equip EFC Past Players & Officials to handle the unique challenges they may face.

Because mental health isn’t just important—it’s essential. And you don’t have to face it alone.

HOW MENTAL HEALTH AFFECTS US ALL

Mental health can be influenced by a wide range of factors—stress, relationships, lifestyle, environment, and even past experiences.

It’s important to regularly check in with yourself. Understanding where you sit on the mental health scale can help you recognise steps to support a healthier mind.

No matter where you are on the scale, there are tools, strategies, and support available to help you maintain and improve your mental wellbeing.

Taking care of your mental health isn’t a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing journey. And we’re here to support you every step of the way.

VIEW MENTAL HEALTH SCALE

SUPPORT

AFLPA services:

• • Wellbeing support

  • Legal support

  • Injury & Support fund 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

 Mission

To provide comprehensive mental health support for all past players and officials and their immediate family members of the Essendon Football Club, recognizing the unique challenges faced during and after professional football careers.

Vision

Every past player and official and family immediate members has access to mental health resources and feels supported by their football family.

CORE PROGRAM ELEMENTS

1. Awareness & Education

• • Mental Health Workshops:
    • Quarterly sessions covering topics like:
    •  Transition from football to civilian life
    •  Managing identity beyond football
    •  Dealing with physical pain and its mental impact
    •  Relationship and family challenges
    •  Financial stress management
    •  Substance abuse awareness

• • Guest Speakers:
    • Former players who’ve navigated mental health challenges successfully

• • Information Resources:
    • Fact sheets, website resources, regular newsletter content

2. Support Services

• • Confidential Counselling:
    • Partnership with qualified sports psychologists/counsellors
    • Initial assessment sessions (3-5 free sessions per person annually)
    • Referral pathways to ongoing professional support
    • Crisis intervention protocols

• • AFLPA services:
    • Wellbeing support- https://www.aflplayers.com.au/players-home/get-support/wellbeing-support
    • Legel support – https://www.aflplayers.com.au/players-home/get-support/get-support-legal-support
    • Injury & Support Fund – https://www.aflplayers.com.au/players-home/alumni#afl-aflw-players-injury-support-fund

• • Peer Support Network:
    • Trained peer support volunteers from past players
    • Buddy system for newly retired players
    • Support groups for specific issues (chronic pain, addiction recovery, career transition)

• •  24/7 Crisis Line:
    • Dedicated hotline for past players
    • Professional crisis counsellors with sports background
    • Clear escalation procedures

3. Proactive Outreach

• • Welfare Check System:
    • Regular contact with all past players and officials (quarterly newsletters, regular email updates, coffee club events)
    • Follow-up after major life events (divorce, job loss, health issues)

• • Transition Support:
    • Available on request
    • Check-ins for players in first 2 years post-retirement
    • Career counselling and job placement assistance
    • Financial planning workshops

4. Community Building

• • Social Connection Events
    • Monthly coffee catchups (informal)
    • Annual Dinner (September)
    • Golf day in February
    • In season update sessions by EFC executives
    • Regular newsletters and email communication

• • Mentorship Program:
    • Available on request
    • Pair recent retirees with well-adjusted former players
    • Business networking opportunities

KEY PARTNERSHIPS

Essential Partners:

• • • Lifeline or Beyond Blue (crisis support)
    • Local mental health services
    • Sports medicine clinics
    • Employment agencies
    • Financial advisors

AFL Community:

• • • Other clubs’ past player associations
    • AFL Players Association
    • AFL medical departments
    • Fifth Quarter Program

SUCCESS METRICS

Quantitative:

• • • Number of people accessing services
    • Crisis intervention response times
    • Reduction in reported mental health incidents
    • Participation rates in programs

Unique EFC Advantages:

• • • Given your role and the club’s history, this program could leverage:
    • Your extensive network and trust relationships
    • The strong past players association structure already in place
    • Learnings from navigating the drug saga crisis
    • The club’s commitment to supporting its people
    • Existing social events and communication channels

RISK MANAGEMENT

Confidentiality Protocols:

• • • Clear privacy policies
    • Professional boundaries training
    • Secure record keeping
    • Limited information sharing agreements

Crisis Response:

• • • 24/7 emergency procedures
    • Police and ambulance liaison protocols
    • Family notification procedures
    • Follow-up care plans

*This program framework recognizes that past players face unique challenges including identity loss, physical pain, financial pressure, and social isolation and by  leveraging the strong EFC community and your established relationships.