Bailey Humphrey is on the verge of realising his AFL dream and hopes to make use of his new-found standing as a chance to lift consciousness of a trigger near his coronary heart.
The highly effective Victorian midfielder is extensively tipped to be taken within the prime 10 of subsequent week’s draft.
He hopes the standing and platform he’ll acquire from changing into an AFL footballer will assist him enhance perception into mental-health struggles after coping with his personal over the previous two years within the wake of a good friend’s loss of life.
“I lost a mate to suicide at the start of last year,” Humphrey mentioned on Tuesday.
“It’s a big, big part in my life, losing a mate, and it’s something that I’ve never experienced before.
“So it was a bit robust and it put me in a fairly darkish gap. But now I’ve come out of that darkish gap fairly properly.
“I’ve learned communication is key. Talking to people and opening up is the best thing.
“I do know plenty of younger children, and even adults, nonetheless do not actually discuss (psychological well being), so by me making an attempt to speak about it to the media, I’m making an attempt to lift consciousness.”
Plenty of athletes have spoken about issues with their mental health in recent years, including Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith, and Humphrey admitted that had made opening-up easier.
“It’s good to see that individuals are opening-up,” he mentioned.
“That’s what I need to do – use my platform to lift consciousness.
“I’m very close with Mindfull Australia and I’ve just been named an ambassador for them, so I’m pretty happy with that and it’s just a first step in the field outside of footy for me.”
Humphrey mentioned he was “chatting to a couple of clubs” about his draft prospects however in any other case conserving himself busy by enjoying golf and tennis.
He had posters of Nat Fyfe and Dustin Martin on his wall as a child and hoped to develop into a equally highly effective midfielder, whereas the Gippsland Power product has obtained no qualms about probably shifting interstate.
“I’m a pretty tough footballer, just a very physical footballer that tries to bring people into games,” he mentioned.
“I have to move either way – Melbourne’s a move for me as well. So I’m excited.”
Lifeline 13 11 14
beyondblue 1300 22 4636
