Of course they can but he started going on about the egos and crap and that’s when it became more about accusatory grandstanding than about the actual issue here. I don’t doubt the sincerity in his words and that they’re all coming from a good place, but to me his messaging missed the mark. A player has attempted to take his own life, and in the wake of it, Schwass’ focus is on all the stuff the AFL does wrong and could do better in. Instead, it should’ve been an experienced and respected figure in the sport reaching out to his younger peers and using his own experiences (which he’s been very open about) to connect and resonate with them. Just my opinion but I think that tone could have been more effective than just calling out the AFL’s shortcomings.
Trying to pin-point targets to direct your anger and shock towards when something like this happens gives in to that inaccurate idea that there are people to blame for one’s depression or anxiety. That’s not always the case. Sometimes nobody is to blame and so focusing the attention on the people at the centre of it should be the priority, not those on the outside looking in.
Fair comments Caesar. But if we focus on anger management strategies, building self esteem, sharing frustration and disappointment, welcoming the support of others - these are life skills that AFL Clubs should be encouraged to pursue. Building healthier and more resilient psych health - like Kirky's yoga centerdness. Not about blame...about growing our ways to cope with a mental illness.See Shwotter's anger for what it is. A man whose struggle continues.