AFL player Nathan O’Driscoll opens up about mental health struggles
AFL player Nathan O’Driscoll, a midfielder for the Fremantle Dockers, has shared a candid account of his battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. The 23-year-old revealed on social media that he has come close to taking his own life on three occasions, highlighting the challenges he has faced, especially following the recent death of someone close to him.
Support from family, teammates, and club
After O’Driscoll’s post, his family and teammates expressed strong support and love. His older sister Emma, who plays for Fremantle in the AFLW, said she was proud of him and emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for others to speak up about mental health. His younger brother Aiden, who was drafted to the Western Bulldogs but medically retired due to a head injury, described Nathan as “the best big brother anyone could ask for.”
Several Fremantle teammates, including Caleb Serong, Murphy Reid, and captain Alex Pearce, also offered their encouragement. Fremantle’s executive general manager, Joe Brierty, praised O’Driscoll for his openness and noted the importance of ongoing mental health support within the club and the wider AFL community.
Challenges and message from AFL player Nathan O’Driscoll
O’Driscoll has played only twice this season and was omitted from the team after round three. He shared that he has experienced both “incredible highs” and “very low moments” during his four-year career, struggling with anxiety and a persistent need to feel a sense of belonging. He acknowledged the difficulty of balancing selflessness with self-care, stating, “Valuing yourself is just as important as valuing others.”
He explained his decision to speak out was influenced by the recent focus on mental health in the AFL, including incidents such as Carlton player Elijah Hollands’ hospitalisation following a mental health episode during a match. O’Driscoll encouraged others facing difficulties to reach out and stay connected, reminding them that “there is so much good in this world” and that “it will get better.”
The Fremantle Dockers continue to provide support to O’Driscoll as he navigates his mental health journey.