News Fas Taking Time off for Depression

[Premier Pies]

I don't think the club is trying to intimate that he's going to be fine in a few weeks, but often the best thing to do in dark times is what you love the most, and Fas certainly loves his footy, I don't think anyone would argue with that.

Hopefully he can get the right sort of help that allows him to get back to doing what he does best quickly, and enjoying it as much as he has previously.

The club did state it would be a short break and that they expect he will make a swift return to playing.

Sure they're not saying he'll be fine but I'll go one step further and argue whilst doing something you love is great, he won't be playing footy in the AFL anytime soon.

Can you imagine if he comes back in to the seniors and doesn't kick a goal or misses easy set shots? Imagine the questions that would be posed by the media about his health and if it's affecting his ability to play. Let alone the trolls on forums going to town about Fas and his health.

I hope he takes as long as he needs and I believe that will be much longer than a swift return to playing, be it 2, 4, or even 6-8 weeks. Would not surprise me if Fas is out for at least 8 weeks.

I hope I'm wrong and he's better much quicker but depression is a serious and lingering disease that is hard to shake in the privacy of your own family and friends let alone in the fishbowl spotlight of AFL.

Good luck Fas, get well Prince of Perth.

 

[TradeDraft]

Just a random moment that stuck with me ...

... during the Geelong game after he kicked a goal to the city end he made an agressive gesture towards the crowd. It was a very fleeting thing. The crowd in that area appeared to be all Collingwood supporters. Seemed a bit out of character.

Not a Good SIgn that he having a Go at his Own Supporters.

Not Happy at Collingwood?

 

[danielnajdek]

Just saw this news on FB. As usual you get the idiots who laugh about it having no idea how bad depression/anxiety can be.

Just get better mate and don't put a timeline on when you come back. There's no hurry with things like this. <3

 

[Pie eyed]

God damned bastard depression.

100% behind Fas.
Get sorted as soon as you can and back on the paddock.

 

[wicksy]

Just a random moment that stuck with me ...

... during the Geelong game after he kicked a goal to the city end he made an agressive gesture towards the crowd. It was a very fleeting thing. The crowd in that area appeared to be all Collingwood supporters. Seemed a bit out of character.

I have faint memories of him being jeered by our own this year. Did that happen or was it a bad dream?

 

[unplugged]

Absolutely love the fact the club has kept him at training. His his football family will help get him through this. Side by Side!
Get well Fas hopefully you're back sooner rather than later.

Yep, sometimes the best thing after a shitty day or when you're generally feeling down (whether it's relationship problems, money troubles or mental health in general), getting in to the footy club to run around, have a laugh and just forget for an hour or two is one of the best mental outlets there is.

I tried to explain this to my brother once (whom has never played footy) and he had absolutely no idea what I was trying to say.

That said, the pressure of game day, which is no doubt magnified by about 1000 when it comes to AFL (compared to country footy), would definitely be too much for a young man battling mental health issues. Not to mention this very forum and the media scrutiny that comes with it.

It's interesting that our statement reads that he is "expected" to return soon. I can only assume these are his words.

Get well, Fas.

 

[76woodenspooners]

Good to hear he's taking care of himself.

Get well soon Fas

 

[wicksy]

Not a Good SIgn that he having a Go at his Own Supporters.

Not Happy at Collingwood?

I think the point is that he felt that the supporters deserved a serve (which they probably did).

I'm sure he's happy at Collingwood Dave. Just sad with life. Don't make this a football thing please.

 

[doppleganger]

Not a Good SIgn that he having a Go at his Own Supporters.

Not Happy at Collingwood?

Not happy with Collingwood "supporters" who spend more time bagging players more likely.

 

[76woodenspooners]

It's interesting to reflect that ...

- 15 years ago he probably would have simply played on

- 5 years ago he probably would have been out with a "Hamstring injury"

- 2 years ago he probably would have been out with "General soreness"

- Now he's out with depression

We've come a long way with removing the stigma out of this

 

[Vicky Park]

Very sad for Fas, but brave of him to let the club make this public. Its an honest and admirable way to deal with this illness. Fas is a talented footballer, with a gift. He frustrates us, but he's ours, and we love him.

 

[Brad Goodman]

I'm glad that he's been able to put his hand up and say "hey, I'm going through some stuff".

This hits me pretty hard as one of my closest mates is going through something similar at the moment, and you just hate thinking about the time they're feeling the lowest of lows.

Take all the time you need Alex, we want nothing but the best for you.

 

[leon123]

faz you are a legend in so many ways.
i hope/i know... you will be an inspiration for so many.
take care dude... hope you read this thread, 100% all care for you

 

[Goody1971]

Best wishes to Fasolo and hope he can get himself right soon and be back on the park.

 

[Kirby]

Expectations can be so difficult to deal with. I'm glad he's come out and announced the fact that he is suffering. He will feel so much relief just getting it out.

Get well Fas!

 

[Caztheconquerer]

All the best faz, this is a terrible thing to suffer from and I hope you take as long as you need to recover and get your head right. Depression is horrible and can make you feel extremely low and worthless and make you think all sorts of things. The slightest thing can make you feel sad in an instant, I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.

 

[Leviathan Pie]

Get yourself right, Alex.

All the best.

 

[Babylove]

Having dealt with this disease for many years through my Mum who has battled with it for a long time it is really an insidious disease, and for many there isn't a cure, at best they can learn to manage the disease. My hope is that one day mental illness will be seen as no different to any other disease not only in stigma but in terms of facilities and insurance coverage etc. many health and life insurance policies still exclude mental illness and self harm and services and facilities especially outside major cities are woefully inadequate.

As far as Fasolo goes my thoughts go out to him. I'm not necessarily going to wish him a quick return too footy because that may not necessarily be what he needs. What I will wish for is for him to be able to find the path he needs to peace and health, and if that includes playing footy then that is great.

 

[No SPIN]

I think Fas needs to take solace in the fact that he has given exhilaration, excitement and joy to hundreds of thousands of people. That he has been gifted with an exquisite talent, that is acknowledged and valued by more than just his team mates, and Collingwood supporters, but the entire AFL family throughout the country.

There will not be a single supporter of football, that will not be saddened by this news tonight.

And if he could truly understand how valued he is, it may go some way to help him through this very difficult time.

The MCG will once again be blessed with his dynamism, exhuberance and freakish goal kicking skills when the time comes.

The roar of the crowd, and the adoration of his team mates, will again lift his spirits on a sunny day at the Gee, and reinforce to him, that he is truly loved by far far more people than he may believe today.


But for now, all we can offer is our best wishes and support, at this difficult time in his life.


All the best Fas, get well, get strong and take your time in returning back to good health.

 

[Sin City]

Just stopping by to wish Fasolo all the best. Having been there myself a couple of times it's a tough road ahead but he has plenty of support and athletes are usually positive, determined people. Here's to a full recovery and brighter days ahead

 

[Gone Critical]

Fas is one of my favourites so a bit devestated by this news. Glad he has been brave enough to tell the footy world. I will not be surprised if he is back soon. While the off field pressures probably stack up the 2hrs kicking the pigskin can let you escape to a better place. Only more therapeutic place is out in the surf for a few hours.

Although I am sure he will only come back when the timing is right and whatever that is is fine. Mental illness is so invasive. Wish him a speedy recovery.

 

[jmac70]

Hope Fas gets well soon. Doubt he will be at Collingwood next year though.

 

[Gone Critical]

Hope Fas gets well soon. Doubt he will be at Collingwood next year though.

Nah, too early to make that call. Will be Fas's decision to make but he may have plenty of support in place here and the footy club may be great for him. Of course if it's better for him to go home I trust the club will facilitate that

 

[jmac70]

Nah, too early to make that call. Will be Fas's decision to make but he may have plenty of support in place here and the footy club may be great for him. Of course if it's better for him to go home I trust the club will facilitate that

They are paving the way mate. Trade back to WA is the most likely outcome.

 

[Gone Critical]

They are paving the way mate. Trade back to WA is the most likely outcome.

Could well be but hopefully it's whatever gets Faz well that happens.