The tragic loss of two teenagers has become the catalyst for one of the most important weekends on the country football calendar. For the past six years, the Pinjarra Tigers and the Waroona Demons have played an annual Mental Health Game, following the deaths of two boys in 2016.  Pinjarra Football Netball Club President Bron May was personally affected by the heartbreaking events.

“Depression, anxiety, and suicide can strike any age or gender. Sadly, I saw friends and family left broken five years ago after the death of their 15-year-old son. This was my best friend’s son and we shared holidays, weekends, and great times together. Never did I expect that two nights after staying with us we would get the most gut-wrenching phone call that he had taken his life. I remember his last message to me the night before and I remember the days, months, and the years of pain, anger, and heartbreak his sisters have gone through. Tragically he wasn’t the first and we have since lost others who obviously were suffering but never received the help before it was too late. When the idea of a Mental Health match was raised, I was more than happy to support the idea,” said May. A collaborative approach between the two clubs followed.

“The partnership with Waroona has been a great over the past 6 seasons. This year we included umpires, who wore blue shirts to raise awareness of mental health after they lost a fellow official to suicide in 2019,” May said. 

Waroona Football Netball Club President Shane Della Franca is proud of the effort the rival teams have put in. “Both clubs have been exposed to the pain attached to Mental Health issues, and if we can put the spotlight on the issue and get people talking about it then it's worth it.  Sporting clubs are a great place of support for many, but our members need to know that it's okay to talk about their problems. It's also a day that we can help much-needed funds for the Peel Youth Medical Services and it's great that our sponsors get on board to make the day bigger and better every year,” Della Franca said. 

As the initiative goes from strength to strength, this year the match at Sir Ross McLarty Oval was renamed the Mental Health Clash Cup. Involving all teams from both clubs in football and netball, the Cup was claimed by Pinjarra after they won more games across the round of matches.

 Among those to take part in the weekend included

• Alana Hudson - Neami National, on behalf of the “Suicide Prevention Network”
• Tom Hayes - Regional Men’s Health Initiative
• Ian Stanley – Vice President, WACFL & Chair, Country Football Community Advisory Panel
• Brendon Simpson and Greg Baird - WACFL Board
• Philip Gregson – Healthway
• Bob Shanks – Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Both clubs appreciate the support of the WACFL, Think Mental Health, and Auto One.  

Bron May would also like to thank Krystal Bee for her work in the organising of the event, and for arranging the umpire shirts, sponsors and fundraising for Peel Youth Medical Services. “Without Krystal hard work this day would not be what it's turned into.”  The Pinjarra President summed up the sentiments of everyone involved. “I hope this day can continue for many years.”

If this article triggers anything for you, worried about someone, or need some information of support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit https://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au/.

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Photo Credit - Shazza J Photography