Shane Tuck’s battles with ‘mental illness’ revealed by former Hawks great

A heartbreaking report from a Hawthorn great the day after the shock death of Shane Tuck has revealed his long-running battle with depression.

Shane Tuck's long-running battle with depression revealed

The AFL world is still struggling to come to grips with the sudden and shock passing of former Richmond star Shane Tuck at the age of only 38.

Tuck who played 173 games in the AFL, died on Monday with the news leaving the football community heartbroken and mourning the passing of a warrior of the game.

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From teammates to coaches and fans, the impact of Tuck’s time in the AFL is one that will be long remembered with many labelling him one of the nicest players you’d ever come across.

As things tend to go these days, speculation erupted on social media on Monday night with many searching for how he had passed away while others simply began spreading fabricated answers behind the devastating news.

On Tuesday however a report by the Daily Mail indicated Tuck had fought and ultimately lost a long-running battle with depression. With a former Hawthorn great telling the publication: “They knew at Hawthorn and they knew it at Richmond,” the unnamed former Hawk said.

“He was a troubled soul right from the start. He struggled with serious mental illness for a long, long time.”

Tuck’s career began in the shadow of his legendary father and former games record holder Michael.

After being drafted with the 24th pick in the 2000 Rookie Draft to Hawthorn — the club his father played all his games for — he was released in 2002 before reviving his career in the SANFL and being picked up by the Tigers with the 74th pick of the 2003 National Draft. He quickly became a key player in Richmond’s midfield over a decade, until his retirement in 2013.

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Shane Tuck and Jack Riewoldt

Tuck admitted after hanging up the boots it was difficult dealing with the spotlight that came with being the son of AFL royalty.

“In the early days I did find it a bit of a burden,’’ he said in 2014. “Everyone was saying “oh, you’re going to be as good as your dad’ and putting massive expectations on me.

“When I was young I didn’t think I could reach the heights of the old man and as a kid you don’t really think straight sometimes.

“I let things like that affect me too much and it was a burden. It was only when I got older that I really learnt to be proud of dad for his achievements.”

Those close to Tuck struggled to keep their emotions in check as they spoke about their time inside the clubroom walls with the man known simply as “Tucky”.

“He was an absolute crowd favourite. He did things that Richmond people loved. He was hard. He was tough. You always walked taller when you had Shane Tuck playing next to you,” Jack Riewoldt said on SEN.

“Thoughts with the Tuck and extended family tonight,” Tigers champion Matthew Richardson said. “As a teammate Shane gave everything. What more can u ask.”

“Rest In Peace Great Man! One of the hardest at it I’ve played with.”

So saddened by the passing of Shane Tuck. We had some lovely conversations in the past as I was an admirer of the way he played with such commitment. When my daughter worked at Richmond she would always say he was the nicest person. Thinking of the Tuck family. RIP Shane. Kb

— Kevin Bartlett (@KevinBartlett29) July 20, 2020

Richmond released a statement from chief executive Brendan Gale, with their hearts going out to the immediate Tuck family.

“We’re incredibly saddened by the news of Shane’s passing, he will be missed enormously by everyone,” Gale said.

“We send our deepest condolences to Shane’s family and loved ones – his wife Kat, children Will and Ava, parents Michael and Fay, and the extended Tuck family.

“Shane was a warrior on the field, giving everything to the team each week, and a humble, fun-loving person off the field.”