In some surprise news to come out of the AFL world, Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd has announced his immediate retirement from the sport.
In a statement put out by the Bulldogs, the 23-year-old former number 1 draft pick stated that AFL has taken a physical and mental toll on his health. After reflecting on his last five years in the sport, and his physical and mental health, Boyd recognised that he no longer had “the desire to play or the enjoyment of the game [he] used to have.”
You’ll always be a premiership Bulldog.
Go well, Tom! ?#MightyWest
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) May 16, 2019
He then went on to thank the team at the Western Bulldogs for supporting him over the last few years as he sought treatment for injury and clinical depression.
“I have received unbelievable support from the players, coaches and staff at the Western Bulldogs, particularly over the last couple of years, which I will always appreciate.
“Leaving the game as a premiership player is something I will always be proud of, along with all the enduring relationships I have forged and the memories I have created along the way.”
You can read his whole statement here.
The pressure of performing well at any job, let alone being an elite AFL player, can be overwhelming for some and Boyd’s decision to step away from the game for his own wellbeing is admirable.
During his hiatus from the sport in 2017 and 2018, Boyd devoted his time to advocate for mental health awareness in sport, and partnered up with Headspace Australia to talk about his struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression as an elite athlete.
Boyd’s big decision to step away from AFL is incredibly brave and shows that there’s no shame at all in prioritising your health above all else. The fact that he was able to recognise his problems and seek help is an example for how all athletes should take care of themselves.
While there remains a negative stigma when it comes to seeking help, Boyd’s retirement is a big statement dispelling the notion that mental health struggles is very real problem and it is something we can’t afford to ignore.
If you need to talk to someone, you can call Lifeline on 131114.