Veteran and AFLW player Heather Anderson’s closest circle share their grief at her passing

She was known for her pink headgear, so her vision-impaired mum could see her play, and cheer her on.

Image: Getty Images

Adelaide Crows AFL player and dedicated army medic Heather Anderson has tragically lost her life, with friends, family and colleagues sharing their great loss, and calling for more support for veteran mental health.

This week, the women’s Australian Football League are mourning the loss of one of their prized players, Heather Anderson.

The tragic news broke that Anderson had taken her life on Sunday, at the age of just 28, in her army barracks in Perth.

Known for her talents on the playing field, Anderson was also a veteran, having joined the army in 2013, working as a medic. She had been part of the 2020 bushfire response and had also supported the forces throughout Covid.

Anderson was also a key player for the Adelaide Crows, playing in the 2017 season when the Crows beat Brisbane in the grand final. 

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However, before the 2018 season was due to begin she sustained a shoulder injury that effectively ended her career.

"As soon as my shoulder went (the second time), I had this sense of dread, this gut feeling, that this was going to be my last game," Anderson said in her retirement interview with AFL.com.au.

"So, I think it's something I've been tossing up since then, and as I went through recovery and got to a bit of a crossroad where I had to make a decision, I started thinking about it a lot more," she said.

"I know the reasons I'm doing it are the right reasons, and I know it's for the best. But, looking back, and thinking about the past 17 years with footy and other contact sport (rugby and judo) and what I've done and the people I've met, I think that's what I'm struggling with."

Over her time with the Crows, Anderson had become known for her distinctive pink headgear.

Far from a fashion choice on her behalf, she shared in an interview that she wore the bright colour so that her vision-impaired mother could find her on the field.

She told Mamamia, “She hated watching me get smashed and she couldn’t really see me play in the field.”

Adding, "I hated pink and anything girly, so she would joke, 'Maybe if you spray painted your helmet pink, I’d come and watch you play.'

"So I bought one in a sports shop as a joke and said, 'Now I’ve got one you’ve gotta come watch me play'. It just sort of went from there.'"

Her passing has sparked new conversations about mental health for Australian veterans.

The news was posted on a community page for veterans and hundreds of responses were seen from people who had also faced mental challenges as a part of their work.

Image: Instagram/@abbeycholmes

“We know it’s not the desire for recognition, it’s the deep responsibility and sometimes helplessness of the situation for the lonely Medic that makes the night so dark,” one wrote. “We who have stood in your boots regret we could not reach you. Know this we remember and share the deepest respect, for you are so much more. You are the “Doc” The Medic! forever reliable. Always," one wrote.

The Australian Defence Force did release a statement regarding Anderson to news.com.au.

“It is with great sadness Defence can confirm the death of an Australian Army soldier Private Heather Mary Anderson on Sunday, in Perth,” a spokesperson told the publication. “Anderson was a gifted athlete playing professional AFLW football with the Adelaide Crows and as part of the ARMY AFLW squad, and served her country for many years.”

 “The death of any Defence member is a tragedy and deeply felt by the Defence family and community,” they continued. “We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Private Anderson. We are providing welfare support in accordance with the wishes of her family.”

There has also been an outpouring of support from her football community.

 “Shattered,” Channel 7 presenter and former Adelaide AFL player Abbey Holmes wrote on her Instagram. “You were the ultimate professional. The ultimate teammate. You will be greatly missed!! RIP Ando #true xx.”

AFLW General Manager Nicole Livingstone also shared Holmes sadness.

"Words cannot express the deep sadness amongst the AFL and AFLW community at this time. Our sincerest condolences are to the Anderson family," Livingstone said.

Her father told The Advertiser that the ‘sadness in the family is palpable’.

In an emergency please call 000

If you or someone you know needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the 24-hour Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

Mental health professionals are available 24/7 at the beyondblue Support Service – 1300 22 46 36 or via beyondblue.org.au/get-support for online chat (3pm-12am AEST) or email response.

Originally published as Veteran and AFLW player Heather Anderson’s closest circle share their grief at her passing