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Mitch Clark sledge cannot be the norm

Hudson Brown new author
Roar Rookie
19th April, 2015
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Hudson Brown new author
Roar Rookie
19th April, 2015
11

Despite the persistent ‘family friendly’ part of the game encouraged by the AFL, issues around race, gender, sexuality and now mental health still affect the sport.

With the AFL battling on multiple fronts to combat the often-ugly side of the culture that surrounds sport, the Easter Monday ‘sledge’ on Geelong footballer, Mitch Clark, is just another example.

Clark quit football in April 2014 struggling with depression, but has since returned. However in a recent match against Hawthorn, it was reported that he was the subject of on-field attacks relating to his mental health.

Clark later stepped away from his complaint to Geelong captain, Joel Selwood, saying he was “embarrassed” by reports of the incident and that he did not want to pursue the matter. Although the AFL has attempted to investigate the incident, football operations manager Mark Evans said there is nothing that can be done without an official complaint.

While this may be true, this incident cannot be allowed to be swept under the rug. While the AFL has developed inclusiveness through policies, programs and themed rounds – such as #FOOTY4IDAHO, ‘Racism: It Stops With Me’ and Indigenous Round – it appears little is getting through to the average fan and player.

Legendary North Melbourne footballer and mental health advocate Wayne Schwass described those responsible for the attack on Clark as “uneducated and ignorant”.

Many superstar athletes such as Serena Williams, Andrew Flintoff and Kelly Holmes have battled with mental illness, while others such as Kenny McKinley, Gary Speed, Robert Enke and former Carlton footballer Rhett Bayes took their own lives as a result.

The inability or unwillingness to act is doing a great disservice to all those affected by mental health problems. The AFL has made ground in rooting out racism, sexism and homophobia, but allowing Clark’s treatment to go unpunished sets a dangerous precedent.

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Speaking about his 2014 retirement, Clark said, “the way that I am, I bottle a lot of things up and keep things quite close to my chest, and I realised that’s not good for anyone.”

While Clark may just want to move on from this incident, perhaps the matter should be taken out his hands, for the benefit of all.

If you are struggling with mental health issues or depression, organisations like BeyondBlue can help. Click here for more.

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