Chris Dawes slams keyboard warriors, but says understanding of depression has come a long way

EX-COLLINGWOOD forward Chris Dawes says no one deserves to be subjected to attacks from “keyboard warriors” and he feels for Alex Fasolo as he battles depression.

Chris Dawes says he feels for former teammate Alex Fasolo in his depression battle. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

EX-COLLINGWOOD forward Chris Dawes says no one deserves to be subjected to attacks from “keyboard warriors” and he feels for Alex Fasolo as he battles depression.

Dawes says he has not spoken with his former Collingwood teammate, who earlier this week announced he would be taking time away from the game as he battles depression.

He believes the pressure of being a professional athlete can be stifling for those suffering depression.

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Chris Dawes says he feels for former teammate Alex Fasolo in his depression battle. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“I haven’t, no (spoken to Alex),” Dawes said on Fox Sports News’ Game Day Live this morning.

“That said, I’m really respectful of anyone who can say that they’re dealing with this because we know that so many, particularly young males, are dealing with it and you throw professional elite sport into the mix and it can be a really tough environment.

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“I think what’s pleasing is for the most part we are getting a lot more understanding of it and understanding that mental health issues are a real thing.

“The best description I’ve heard is that it’s a flaw of chemistry not character.”

Fasolo and Dawes in action on Anzac Day in 2012.

Dawes, a veteran of 121 games with Collingwood and Melbourne, says the notion that players should “harden up” and cop the stream of abuse are regularly subjected to is not on.

“The keyboard warriors kind of say ‘Well you’ve signed up for this, you’ve put yourself on social media, I’ve got a free shot here’,” Dawes said.

“You sign up to a degree but it’s unnecessary and particularly it’s uneducated.

“People sort of get on my Twitter after a game saying ‘I can’t mark or kick’ and ‘I should delist myself’.

“I’m like ‘come on man’.”