Over the weekend, the Collegians Football Club proudly hosted its inaugural Mental Health Round, a day that proved footy is about much more than wins and losses. This wasn’t just a game. It was a powerful act of remembrance, resilience, and unity, sparked by the heartbreaking loss of a young player earlier this year.

In collaboration with the Blue Tree Project, the club transformed David Cruickshank Reserve into a space for connection and conversation. From painting a tree blue to auctioning specially designed jumpers, every element of the day was carefully crafted to raise awareness for mental health and encourage people to speak up.

Gigi McLarty, Captain of the women's team and organiser of the round, says the initiative grew from tragedy.

“We sadly lost a member of our Colts team early in the year, in January. Which has really impacted a few of our players and coaching staff. It drew that attention that we needed to do anything we could to hopefully stop that happening to anyone in the future.” she said.

What followed was more than just a tribute. It became a community movement. With support from the Blue Tree Project and the local council, the club rallied to create an event that encouraged people to come together, speak out, and support one another.

Teams wore specially designed jumpers featuring the Blue Tree symbol. Supporters browsed merchandise, made donations, and many stayed after the siren to bid in a post-game auction, raising funds and awareness. The most symbolic moment came when a tree near the oval was painted blue, a lasting marker of the club’s commitment to mental health.

Brad Girdwood, President of Collegians, said the event reflects the club’s ongoing efforts to be more than just a footy team.

“We spent the last couple years building a community base club. We’ve gone from a male dominated club to having 7 teams, including three colts teams, a female team and broadened the whole audience and the community. We’ve engaged with the junior club and have them down now as well. Going out to try and create a community environment at the club and this is part of that giving back to the community making a place where everyone can come and feel welcome.” he said.

The idea of sporting clubs being safe spaces isn’t just a cliché. For many, especially young men, the club is where they feel most at home, and where they’re most likely to open up. Gigi believes this round helped break down some of the walls that too often surround mental health conversations in male-dominated environments.

“I feel like it has made us all bit more open with each other and start those conversations. We wouldn't usually especially being a football club. It's almost cliche but people do feel weak to speak so since this has happened it's actually opened up. We're having stronger communication not just between playing group but between teams which has been really nice.” she said.

The day wasn’t without its challenges. Organisers had to navigate council approval for the tree painting and prepare for a less-than-ideal weather forecast. But even with the threat of rain, the community showed up in strong numbers, and the message landed loud and clear.

For clubs thinking about running something similar, Brad has a simple message.

“It's well documented the benefits from the mental health perspective of being part of a club and playing sport not just for your health but mentally as well and I think that's the role that clubs have to play and have to work harder in this.”

In sport, we often talk about courage in terms of tackles, goals, or pushing through injury. But days like this remind us that courage can also mean asking a mate if they’re okay, or admitting when you’re not.

The Blue Tree Project Round at Collegians wasn’t just a success. It was a reminder that community sport can be one of the most powerful tools we have to fight the stigma around mental health. One tree, one game, and one conversation at a time.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:

Lifeline – 13 11 14

Beyond Blue – beyondblue.org.au - 1300 22 4636

Talk to a mate, a coach, or someone you trust. You're never alone.

Author: Jack Penniment