The spotlight will be turned on mental health this week as Hawthorn and Sydney prepare to face off for the annual beyondblue Cup on Friday night at the MCG.

Hawthorn Football Club has been supporting beyondblue since 2006 to raise awareness about anxiety and depression and encourage people to seek help for mental health conditions.

In 2018, the beyondblue Cup will also extend to all levels of football across the state, with local and VFL clubs showing support by participating in AFL Victoria’s beyondblue Round this weekend.

Men’s and women’s players across Victoria will wear blue tape around their wrists to spark conversation and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

Fans are encouraged to be in their seats at 7.15pm, to enjoy pre-game entertainment provided by Priscilla The Musical. The cast will perform two songs from their hit production that has graced the stage of Melbourne’s Regent Theatre since January as part of their 10^th anniversary celebration tour.

Hawthorn players will run through a blue banner and beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman will present the cup to the victorious team at the conclusion of the game.

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves highlighted the significance of the match. 

“This is a key focus area for the Hawthorn Football Club and together with beyondblue we continue to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions,” Reeves said. 

“As one of the largest sporting clubs in Australia, we have the platform to educate people that talking about mental health can be a real game changer. Not only do we want more people speaking openly about these conditions, we want them to be aware of the variety of support services available to them. 

“Friday’s match provides a great opportunity for mental health to be a focal point within the AFL community, hopefully sparking conversation between teammates, coaches, friends and family members.

“Our partnership with beyondblue is now in its 13th year and we are very proud of the work we have done, and continue to do, in helping improve mental health throughout our community.”

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More than three million Australians are living with anxiety or depression. Only 46 per cent of people with a mental health condition access treatment. Hawthorn and beyondblue are encouraging people to speak to someone they trust and seek professional help.

beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said Hawthorn and AFL Victoria demonstrated great leadership in encouraging the community to speak openly about mental health issues. 

“At some point in your life, you or someone you know is likely to have experienced depression or anxiety,” Ms Harman said.

“We’ve seen a number of high profile AFL players talk about their mental health struggles and it just shows that mental health conditions can affect anyone; no one is immune. Sadly, so many people worry that speaking up when they’re struggling is a sign of weakness, but it’s not.

“Having regular conversations with family, friends and teammates about your mental health can help you to stay well, and to feel more supported in your recovery if a mental health issue develops.

“Talking about mental health is the game changer.”

Hawthorn is urging supporters to make mental health a talking point with their families, friends and at their sports and community clubs across the country.

Learn more at beyondblue.org.au/AFLbeyondbluecup.

Mental health professionals are available 24/7 at the beyondblue Support Service – 1300 22 46 36 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for webchat (3pm-12am AEST) or email response.