Docker’s incredible honesty over mental health battles; Bombers coach claps back — AFL Daily

Fremantle’s Nathan O’Driscoll has bravely opened up on his own mental health battles.

Plus Essendon coach Brad Scott has launched a defence of one of his under-fire disciples after he was the subject of scrutiny last week. MORE IN AFL DAILY

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DOCKER OPENS UP ON MENTAL HEALTH

Fremantle’s Nathan O’Driscoll has bravely discussed his battles with mental health in the aftermath of Elijah Hollands’ episode.

O’Driscoll posted on Instagram about his struggles with anxiety and being “extremely close” to taking his own life three times, calling for people to reach out and talk.

“I wasn’t going to post this, but with the recent focus on mental health around the league, it feels like the right time,” the 23-year-old said.

“Over the past four years, I’ve had some incredible highs, but also some very low moments. I’ve struggled with anxiety, a constant need to feel like I belong, and always putting others before myself. There have been times where I’ve fallen into deep depressive states and three separate times where I’ve been extremely close to committing suicide.

“I’m sharing this because speaking up matters. No one is there to judge you, every person I’ve opened up to has supported me in ways I never expected. From the outside, it might look like I have everything, but what’s going on internally can be a very different story. Everyone is dealing with something, and it’s okay to not be okay.

“I’ve always tried to be a positive, selfless person, but I’ve learned it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. Valuing yourself is just as important as valuing others.

“The past few weeks have been especially tough after losing someone close to me, but leaning on my family, friends, and teammates has meant everything. I’m incredibly grateful for the people around me.

“There is so much good in this world. Whatever you’re going through, it will get better. Reach out, stay connected, and be kind to yourself.

“You are loved.

“You are seen.

“You are heard.

“Much love, Nath (heart).”

Many of O’Driscoll’s teammates posted in support while his brother and ex-Bulldog Aiden, who was medically retired aged 18, commented: “We all love you Nath. I’ll always be here for you, the best big brother anyone could ask for️ (heart). You’re such a good person bro.”

O’Driscoll has played 40 AFL games including two this season.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact: beyondblue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au; Mens Line 1300 789 978; Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.

‘BORDERING ON LAZY’: SCOTT GOES IN TO BAT FOR BACKMAN

Essendon coach Brad Scott has leapt to the defence of under-siege backman Ben McKay, labelling the scrutiny “bordering on lazy”.

McKay was widely criticised for his Anzac Day performance, particularly for cheering a spoil that remained in play and resulted in a Collingwood goal.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, Scott stood by McKay, suggesting that the defender and Essendon have become convenient targets.

“I get it’s an easy target. The ability to individualise (externally) is easy, bordering on lazy,” Scott said.

“But it’s not him in isolation. We had situations in that game where every player would like moments back.”

Scott earlier admitted McKay was not performing to the best of his ability but said he needed to “deal” with the criticism of his form.

“Every player in the competition has, quote-end-quote, confidence issues in their career,” Scott said.

“That’s part of being in a cut-throat environment where you’re playing against the very best every week.

“When you’re a key defender, you play on very good players every week, so you’re right on the edge.

“Is he just feeling great about himself? Probably not. But does that matter, should that impact your performance? No, it shouldn’t.

“That’s what we work really hard on: trying to bounce back from difficult situations.”

The Bombers were dealt a cruel blow on Monday, with exciting small forward Isaac Kako ruled out for what the club described as “medium term”.

Scott said there was no further clarity on Kako’s timeline before suggesting a watch on draftees’ load management as better preparation for the AFL system.

“I mean medium term is the best we can do at the moment because we don’t want to put something out that’s false,” he said.

“The bottom line is that he won’t be playing in the next month or so, at least.

“These back stress fractures are unfortunately – not just at our club but across the board – becoming a little bit too common for young players coming into the system.

“They’re almost like you expect them in 200cm fast bowlers but not in 180cm small forwards.

“Sullivan Robey came with the same injury before he set foot into the club, so I think probably the loads on young players prior to the draft is something we would be keen to have a look at.”

‘NO WAY, SORRY’: $3B ‘RUMBLING’ THAT CONTINUES TO HOVER OVER AFL’S 19TH TEAM

Concerns over both the cost and timeliness of Tasmania’s proposed Macquarie Point Stadium continue to linger in the background ahead of the Devils’ 2028 entry into the AFL.

Speaking on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle on Tuesday night, host Lauren Wood broke down the damning numbers that continue to worry, on top of an already-tight timeline the league has made clear it must be done by.

“Serious concerns have emerged surrounding the Macquarie Point Stadium in Tasmania. I’ve spoken to a number of people down on the Apple Isle over recent days, including the Honourable Ruth Forrest — an independent MP,” Wood said.

“It emerged in recent days that the tender to build the stadium was down to two firms essentially; one of which involves a Chinese state-owned construction company with an Australian subsidiary.

“Ruth has a number of significant concerns, and she’s not the only one, surrounding the (stadium) vote in particular was that it was going to be built for Australia, by Australians, for Tasmanians … it was not what we were sold in the first place when we were voting.

“The other thing of course is with the ongoing war in Iran and the Middle East conflict, the cost this is going to reach. It’s sitting at about $1.13 billion at the moment. The escalations could potentially come with steel, other supplies and labour … it’s just one to keep on the radar.

“There are some rumblings occurring around this tender process, which won’t be awarded until the end of the war.”

With the current figure of $1.13 billion already not ideal for some, Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham believes that the final cost, inclusive of all internal facilities, could be close to three times that.

“Andrew Pridham believes it could cost $3 billion for the whole lot, which would of course include the high performance centre,” Jon Ralph said.

“There are so many more impediments to just rolling out a nice stadium and everyone’s happy. There’s going to be so many dramas.”

Fellow Herald Sun journalist Scott Gullan added: “The biggest drama is 2031, it needs to be built by then. There is no way, I’m sorry. Brisbane Olympics have got to get theirs happening. This stadium won’t be ready; the ripple effect is the drafting and luring of players.”

MOMENT THAT SPARKED HAWKS SPRAY

A rogue Lloyd Meek handball on the cusp of half-time during Hawthorn’s Round 7 victory over Gold Coast last weekend has been revealed as the catalyst behind an epic Sam Mitchell spray.

Footage of the Hawks mastermind yelling at his key ruck was shown on Fox Footy’s Super Saturday Live during their main break, as Mitchell addressed the midfield group.

Speaking to Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Tuesday night, injured Hawks star Will Day recalled how he saw the moment play out back in Melbourne.

“I was sitting at home watching with a few of the other boys, and we saw the spray at half-time. We were trying to decipher what it was and who it was about,” Day said.

“I think our mids just had a pretty poor period for a little bit … he got pretty fired up. I thought the boys responded really well, and we got it back on our terms after that.”

Seven’s Kane Cornes elaborated on the incident, pointing towards a handball during red time that kicked it all off.

“Just before half time, they had conceded three goals in a row, and Lloyd Meek does a (handball out of a tackle),” he said on Tuesday night.

“When they’re in red time there is an instruction not to handball the ball backwards because that invites the pressure from the opposition. With 15 seconds to go in the first half, Lloyd Meek grabs it out of the ruck, handballs it back, the turnover (ends in an opposition) goal with four seconds left on the clock.

“His teammates had all told him: ‘that’s not in line with team instructions’ before Sam Mitchell had got to him.

“Mitchell goes to him, gives him a spray, Lloyd Meek goes back and says ‘look we’ve addressed this, we’ve done this, and that led to what we saw, the hug after the game.”