Friends rally behind Rex Hunt after health drama

Sam Newman says Rex Hunt is now seeking help for his mental health after experiencing a medical episode on the side of a Geelong highway.

Rex Hunt is recuperating in a Geelong hospital. Picture: Michael Klein

Former Footy Show star Sam Newman has revealed that famed footy commentator Rex Hunt is seeking help for his mental health.

Hunt contacted police in the early hours of January 17, after pulling over on the side of the Princes Freeway near Little River, requiring assistance and he was taken to hospital in Geelong.

It is understood that Hunt was experiencing a medical episode.

Newman, Hunt’s friend of 50 years, told his You Cannot Be Serious podcast on Wednesday that the former footy media identity was dealing with some mental health issues and was getting help.

“Rex was a good footballer, he played in two premierships, and he has been a great radio caller and a world class fisherman …. and despite all of that Rex, he is having some mental problems,” Newman said.

Sam Neman says his old mate Rex is not in a good place. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“I went down and saw him in the Geelong hospital and he is being assessed and helped.

“We are trying to support him to say ‘Rex, you have got to help yourself before everyone else tries to help you,’ which is any advice you would give to me or I would give to you.

“So, he is not in a good place, but he should if he has got any experience in life about what made him a good footballer or what made him good on the radio or what made him a world class fisherman, if he used those principles to try and guide him (through this time) he might take a turn for the better.”

Naturally concerned about his long time mate, Newman hoped Hunt would soon be back to his best.

Hunt has been open about his mental health battles in the past.

The former policeman retains a passionate interest in community safety and crime and it is a subject he has firm views on.

Victoria Police confirmed it had responded and assisted Hunt to hospital in Geelong.

“Police received a report of an incident at a Little River service station early Tuesday morning, 17 January,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“Officers attended and spoke to a 73-year-old man about 2.15am. He was taken to hospital for assessment. There were no injuries reported.”

Hunt called police for help about 2am on Tuesday. Picture: Alex Coppel

The legendary footy caller is recuperating in Geelong and insists he is on the mend and will be back stronger than ever.

Hunt’s long time friend John Locco, a former Mayor of Brighton, said the footy and fishing identity was taking it easy after a tough week.

“There are a lot of people that hold Rex in high esteem and we are concerned and supporting him. He can count on our support, affection and friendship,” Locco said.

Sam Newman said he was concerned for his friend and hoped he would seek further help.

Hunt, a former policeman, retains a passionate interest in community safety and crime and it is a subject he has firm views on.

He has also spoken openly in the past about his mental health.

Hunt was hailed a hero in December 2021 when he confronted a would-be thief at a boxing match in the Melbourne suburb of Kensington.

Hunt was doing ring announcing at the fight night when a light fingered member of the crowd snatched A Current Affair reporter Seb Costello’s leather bag.

Hunt followed the would-be thief into another room and confronted him before retrieving the bag.

Hunt was also in the news in July last year when he confronted a driver in Beaumaris following a collision between vehicles. He was seen waving a garden fork at the other driver to make his point about road safety.