Reformed gambler David Schwarz says AFLPA is ‘falling short’ in helping players with addiction issues

David Schwarz and Jeff Kennett have lashed the AFL Players’ Association’s reaction to a leading counsellor, who claims the game has a serious issue with problem gamblers.

Former Melbourne champion David Schwarz says the AFL Players’ Association has fallen short in helping the game’s problem gamblers.

The reformed gambler accused the AFLPA of being “ignorant” to the “foot traffic” of players “walking away and outsourcing” help.

Schwarz’s plea comes after the players’ union questioned gambling counsellor Jan Beames’s qualifications following a Herald Sun exclusive on the game’s hidden scourge.

KICKED OUT: FAN EJECTED FOR ABUSING UMPIRE

NOT AGAIN: AFL EXPLAINS LATEST SCORE REVIEW BLUNDER

“They (AFLPA) are there to make sure (players) are looked after, but you can’t be good at everything, I don’t think they’re good at addiction issues,” Schwarz told the Sunday Herald Sun.

“We’ve got a lot of players, whether it is drug, alcohol (or) gambling that are leaving the game worse than when they arrived. That should never happen.

“Yes, there is going to be holes in the net but really, if we’ve got 200 people going to see Jan Beames about gambling, the players’ (union) is falling short in delivering the necessary tools to help players.”

David Schwarz says Jan Beames was instrumental in his recovery. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett, the founding chairman of Beyond Blue, also raised concerns about the AFLPA limiting anti-gambling services for players.

“No one organisation, or one person is in possession of all knowledge,” Kennett said.

“If she (Beames) is in fact doing this work, she may be doing a very good job and it might be very appropriate. But for the AFLPA to believe that they are the sole recipient or sole retainer of all knowledge in this area is just ludicrous.

“I’m not saying that they don’t have the wherewithal and good people and they try, but to suggest they are any better than anyone else, to the exclusion of other people, is just ridiculous.”

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan last night said the industry needed to help its players more in this area.

“It is a big issue and it has been since I have been involved in AFL footy,” Fagan, 57, said.

“I’ve been involved at three clubs and there are people at every club that I have been at that have had problems and I dare say that is the case across the industry.

“And I think also, we talk about mental health, I reckon there is some connection between mental health and gambling issues.

“You know the worry that a player who is a gambler might have on his shoulders from week to week, so it is an area in the game we need to look at and keep finding ways to help our players because they are vulnerable.

“They earn a lot of money, they have a bit of spare time and they deal with stress in different ways.”

Councellor Jan Beames’ credentials have been questioned by the AFLPA.

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan said the industry needed to help its players more in this area.

“It is a big issue and it has been since I have been involved in AFL footy,” Fagan, 57, said.

“I’ve been involved at three clubs and there are people at every club that I have been at that have had problems and I daresay that is the case across the industry.

“And I think also, we talk about mental health, I reckon there is some connection between mental health and gambling issues.

“You know the worry that a player who is a gambler might have on his shoulders from week to week, so it is an area in thegame we need to look at and keep finding ways to help our players because they are vulnerable.

“They earn a lot of money, they have a bit of spare time and they deal with stress in different ways.”

As a gambling counsellor, Beames is working with six players and has had 50 on her books, as well as swimmers, runners, rowers and basketballers.

Beames revealed two AFL players told her they had lost more than $1 million each to gambling.

Schwarz has credited Beames with his recovery.

“People go to her because they get results,” Schwarz said.

“If there’s 10 players, coaches going to see Jan well, the players’ association have an issue.

“People are thinking they need an alternative because what they’re offering isn’t working, so I applaud Jan.

“It doesn’t matter whether you fit a box or not, if she’s helping people the AFL and the players’ association should listen.

“I would suggest before we rubbish somebody and discredit what she’s doing (we) actually understand what she does. Because it works, I’m living proof of that.”

— If you or someone you know is in need help, call Lifeline on 131 114, visit lifeline.org.au/gethelp, call beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858.