Melbourne is in discussions to introduce a mental health awareness game next year, bringing along either Carlton or Essendon and Carlton in\u00a0a bid to raise greater awareness to the societal problem.<\/p>\n
Conversations occurred prior to Elijah Hollands’ mental health episode last week, while Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson<\/a> withdrew himself from Round 6 following the passing of his brother, alluding to the stresses and struggles people face.<\/p>\n The Male Hug<\/a> (a not-for-profit organisation supporting men’s mental health) CEO, Tony Rabah, who are partnering with the Demons to bring a dedicated match to the MCG, spoke to Zero Hanger about the prospect of the game.<\/p>\n Melbourne CEO Paul Guerra has hold conversations with The Male Hug, and was inspired by ambassador and Essendon icon Kevin Sheedy\/<\/p>\n “I want to make the point that Kevin Sheedy was the one that came up with the concept,” Rabah said.<\/p>\n “He can’t get his head around the fact that seven men commit suicide every day. My philosophy is that if we shine the biggest light possible on the topic, then we go a long way in solving the issue, and there’s no bigger light than at the MCG.<\/p>\n “Why not paint the MCG blue for men, and really shine the biggest light on men’s mental health.”<\/p>\n Guerra spoke to the\u00a0Herald Sun about the concept, and discussed who the Demons would face.<\/p>\n “It is an important cause,” Guerra said.<\/p>\n “For this (idea) to go further, we need to talk about it with another club, so there is still a bit to go (before it happens).<\/p>\n “It has to be another big Melbourne club. We don’t have any hallmark games with Carlton or Essendon, one of those two clubs (could play).<\/p>\n “I know that Carlton is keen to find a marquee game as well, but I haven’t spoken to Essendon yet.”<\/p>\n Sheedy has been a pioneer for multiple causes, essentially implementing the Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon in 1995 to help support the Defence Forces, as well as the Dreamtime at the G clash, aiming to recognise contributions from Indigenous people to the game.<\/p>\n “We all love Sheeds and he has just been mighty for the game,” Guerra said.<\/p>\n “When he comes to talk to you, you listen.<\/p>\n “He is right about the impact of people struggling with mental health. The question is can we build a game around that, and if we can raise awareness, then we would have a look at it.<\/p>\n “If we can help, and if we can build a crowd around that cause, it is something, as a club, that we would absolutely look at.<\/p>\n “They are preliminary conversations .. As I have said to Sheeds, before we jump into doing it, let’s work this through so that it lasts.<\/p>\n “The impact that AFL<\/a> football has on society now \u2026 people are looking for somewhere to belong and AFL<\/a> has been that spot. We have to be very conscious of that as a club. Yes, we are out there to win, but we are also out there to make people have somewhere to go.<\/p>\n “For it to go further we need to talk about it (more) with the other club, we need to talk about it to the AFL<\/a>, so there is a bit to go.<\/p>\n “But the cause is important.”<\/p>\n