Before coming on this weeks episode of the Out Of Bounds podcast, my guest Simon Hogan let me know he was going to be an open book about his battles with mental health and during this important episode it’s clear to see he wasn’t lying.

After a humorous look at his role as emergency in one of Geelong’s Grand Final we cover some big issues both personally and within the AFL nowadays including:

• Coming from being a student and going in to the AFL system with a real perspective on the reality of the situation.
• How Simon’s publicised symptoms of his mental health issues were evident during his time at Geelong and what prompted the club doctors to make him take notice.
• How he believes a high-pressure environment like the AFL system can contribute to those susceptible to mental health problems feeling symptoms of the disease.
• His reaction to the Mark Robinson tweet regarding Alex Fasolo and his battle with depression.
• Simon’s role with Headspace and the current program the Player’s Association has with MindMax to assist with healthy and fit minds.
• The support he received through his mental health issues, especially when he was in hospital.
• His transition out of the game.
• Plus an update on my recovery from the leg injury and mental approach this time around to getting back on the field.

In such a glorified sport it’s sometimes easy to forget that there are some players fighting their own little battles and that’s why this is such a special episode of the podcast. A big thanks to Simon Hogan for giving us insight in to that aspect of the game.