Danny Frawley’s wife Anita shares her final memory of her late husband

The wife of Danny Frawley has detailed his final months in a heartbreaking message she hopes will help carry on her late husband’s legacy on mental health. The footy great had come off his medication just eight months ago, thinking he had “beaten” his demons.

Anita Frawley has spoken for the first time since the tragic passing of her husband Danny, revealing that the former St Kilda captain had taken himself off mental health medication eight months ago thinking he had “beaten” his demons.

Frawley — whose final memory of her husband was one of high spirits on his 56th birthday, which was the day before his death — said she felt compelled to speak out in an effort to carry on her late husband’s legacy on mental health.

“On Monday, the love of my life was tragically taken from my girls and I,” Anita Frawley said.

“Many have speculated on the cause and lead up to this tragedy. Danny, as a champion of mental health would want me to continue his legacy and be open with the public of the events leading up to this heartbreak.

“While the circumstances of the event are unconfirmed and will remain uncertain until the investigations are complete, it was true that Danny’s mental health had deteriorated in recent weeks.”

Danny Frawley and Anita at Punt Rd Oval in 2000.

The Frawleys with daughters Danielle, Chelsea and Keeley. Picture: Mark Stewart

Frawley said that her husband — who played 240 games for St Kilda — had “returned to being the Danny of old” but the feeling of being “bulletproof” had led to him thinking he had left his demons behind.

“As is widely known, Danny had experienced and lived with depression dating back a number of years,” she said.

“But to his credit, he had put up his hand and accepted psychiatric treatment, counselling and medication. He recovered and returned to being the Danny of old.

“The road leading up to last Monday’s events began eight months ago when Danny made the decision to take himself off his prescribed medication.

“At this point Danny felt invincible, like the true competitor and proud man that he was; he felt that he had beaten the disease. In fact, he felt bullet proof, which contributed to his decision to remove himself from his support network including his psychiatric care and not continuing to work with his team of mental health professionals.”

At the 2002 Brownlow Medal.

Anita Frawley said she wanted to speak out to serve as a reminder to others to seek help if needed.

Frawley coaching the Tigers in 2001.

A shrine outside St Kilda’s Moorabbin HQ, where Frawley was a favourite son.

She said the decision to speak out was to serve as a reminder.

“I want this to be a reminder to all those grappling with mental health conditions and to those whom have made progress with their wellbeing that you should always seek help from professionals when considering making decisions surrounding your mental health, even when you feel as though you have fully recovered,” Frawley said.

Richond players observe a moment of silence for Frawley before the VFL Preliminary Final on Saturday. Picture: AAP

“Our final memory of Danny is one we will cherish forever, a night spent sitting around our family table, playing board games and laughing on his 56th birthday. He will never be forgotten and will forever be in our hearts.

“I would like to leave everyone with this quote from Danny, “manning up in the past was to suffer in silence, manning up now is to put your hand up.”

AFL STATEMENT ON FUNERAL

A celebration to honour the life of Danny Frawley will be held at RSEA Park (Moorabbin Oval), Linton Street, Moorabbin on Wednesday September 18, 2019 commencing at 3:00pm.

Members of the public are invited to attend and pay their respects at RSEA Park with a live stream of the private funeral service.

There will be a lap of honour at the RSEA Park oval at 5:00pm following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to Beyond Blue. Envelopes will be available on the day or online at www.beyondblue.org.au

Originally published as Danny Frawley’s wife Anita shares her final memory of her late husband