The West Australian Country Football League, in partnership with Healthway, promoting the ‘Think Mental Health campaign’ are excited to launch Season three of the Bush Legends Podcast.

The podcast, hosted by The West Australian’s popular sports reporter, Jackson Barrett, will feature 6 episodes with a mix of old and young country footy legends, including current and former AFL/W and WAFL players. 

Incorporating stories of their glory days, the highs to the lows, the podcast aims at breaking the barriers around mental health, while promoting the easiness of having a conversation with your friends.

Originating from Bunbury, Jackson Barrett has always had a passion for sports and stemming from a small town, he knows a thing or two about the WACFL.

“I grew up in the country playing sport, including footy, and was lucky enough to return home to Bunbury to work as a journalist and commentator covering the Southwest Football League during a really strong period,” Barrett said.

“Country people are natural storytellers, and I loved the chance to hear some of the incredible insights of our guests and help spread an important message about mental health, particularly among regional and remote communities and their footy clubs.

Jackson encouraged people to listen to the podcast and appreciate the country talent.

“The Bush Legends podcast is a fantastic opportunity to hear some inner sanctum stories from some of the greatest players country football has ever produced, but also the next generation and current crop of stars,” Barrett said.

West Australian Football Commission Executive Manager Country Football, Affiliates and Facilities and former WAFL footballer, Tom Bottrell, said the Bush Footy Legends podcast provides a significant opportunity to raise greater awareness around mental health. 

“Through our partnership with Healthway and research conducted by UWA Young Lives Matter Foundation, it is clear that mental health issues can affect anyone,” Bottrell said.

“The podcast provides an opportunity for listeners to relate to stories of resilience from athletes that grew up in country WA, and the importance of talking and listening to our mates.”

The podcast launched last week, with the first episode featuring Michael Mitchell, a former Claremont and Richmond champion from Carnarvon, who is currently working in mental health and giving back to the community.

Episodes will be released weekly and available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bush-footy-legends/id1576644649 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1oSF8mCXlZ92AG9wFouviL 

Make sure to like, subscribe and share it with your mates!

For tips on how to check in on a mate, please visit; https://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au.