Last week, the Sydney Swans announced superstar and crowd fave Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin would not be playing in the first round of the AFL finals due to mental health issues. They also announced that he suffered from epilepsy, and had had a public seizure no more than a week before.
Today, Swans coach John Longmire announced that Buddy will not be playing during the 2015 finals season at all, and is therefore not returning to football for the rest of the year.
VIDEO: Coach John Longmire confirms Lance Franklin will not play again this season: http://t.co/lgBj9gIEAb pic.twitter.com/jflYQljkfj
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) September 14, 2015
Longmire explained that Franklin needed to time to resolve the mental health issues he is currently addressing, and so football is not currently his top priority.
Longmire: Footy is not on the agenda for Lance for the rest of the season as he has to get his mental health issues right.
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) September 14, 2015
While this news is devastating the the club, the fans, and of course Buddy himself, we must remember that male athletes speaking out openly about mental health and illness is incredibly important, and sets the groundwork for positive change and the removal of social stigma in the future.
Well done for being so open and honest, Buddy. Look after yourself, and feel better soon mate.
via Twitter
Image: Michael Dodge via Getty
Image: Michael Dodge via Getty
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or any mental health issues, please visit BeyondBlue.org.au, or you can give them a call on 1300 22 4636.
