TOPIC:

Another mental health break. I’ve got a feeling we aren’t going to get much out of this bloke. The sceptic in me tells me he’s either turned up to training late several times, in an intoxicated state or there’s been some off field incident that’s come to light although the media and social media is usually all over that stuff.

www.perthnow.com.au/sport/fremantle-dock...ogram-ng-b881447360z

Hopefully Jesse comes back like Glen Maxwell from the Melbourne Stars.After taking time out for a mental health issue.

Wont see much of him now,

DD wrote: Another mental health break. I’ve got a feeling we aren’t going to get much out of this bloke. The sceptic in me tells me he’s either turned up to training late several times, in an intoxicated state or there’s been some off field incident that’s come to light although the media and social media is usually all over that stuff.

www.perthnow.com.au/sport/fremantle-dock...ogram-ng-b881447360z

DD unless you know the guy personally or know someone who is familiar with him, how would you know what the young man is going through.

Mental illness is a highly stigmatised and misunderstood condition and the incidents you have listed above are symptoms of the illness which often needs lifelong treatment. I don't know Jesse personally but what I do know is that in the last couple of years he has had to deal with the death of his father, a cancer diagnosis and also illness of his brother. Not easy for someone who is fragile mentally I would imagine.

Sometimes the welfare of the individual transcends football and we have seen several high profile cricketers take breaks this season and return to the game. Mental illness is a massive issue in society and Sport is no different. There is another layer for AFL players in that they are in the media and public spot light 24/7 which intensifies the issue for some.

What Jesse Hogan needs right now is support and time which is exactly what the Dockers are giving him. What he doesn't need are judgements and criticism.

I think you're going in a bit too heavy there Mike. To me it looks like DD is just drawing possibilities based on recent incidents such as Hogan flipping his car in Attadale in broad daylight. The term mental health covers a wide range of things so to me what DD is saying could be right and I don't see his comments as criticisms more observations than anything.

Maybe so BC but it annoys me sometimes that there is sometimes an implication that mental health is used by a club or individual as a cover all reason when a person has incidents such as substance abuse or a car roll over whereas in fact it is the other way around and the incidents are actually a symptom of the mental illness.

mikeh wrote: Maybe so BC but it annoys me sometimes that there is sometimes an implication that mental health is used by a club or individual as a cover all reason when a person has incidents such as substance abuse or a car roll over whereas in fact it is the other way around and the incidents are actually a symptom of the mental illness.

They can also be a often failed excuse for criminal behavior like flipping cars, its up to them to prove they weren't of sound mind at the time. Substance abuse actually leads to mental illness as well rather than always being the other way around.

Mike yes the young man has been through a lot but I guess he doesn’t do himself any favours when he goes out in public and makes a fool of himself and I’ve heard a few stories. When you are on big coin that comes with certain expectations and if he can’t handle those he is better off walking away from the game. As Gtr said, hopefully taking a break can clear his head and give him a fresh lease on life and help him realise the opportunities he’s got or he will look back later with great regret.

And unfortunately this is going to have a massive impact on a football club that has invested a great deal in him if he can’t get it together. This is a team sport, it’s not like golf or tennis where you can take a break and it doesn’t affect anyone else but yourself and your sponsors and can just waltz back into the game at anytime like Ash Barty did.

I suspect it may have even been Fremantle who have pulled the trigger here, seen some warning signs and said Jesse, take a break. Maybe that’s going to be the new norm? Players taking regular short breaks? I think Dayne Beams has done the same again at Collingwood.

It seemed to pay off for Buddy but I think the support of his partner (now wife Jacinta) might have played a big part.