James Hird and Bryan Cousins back the FifthQtr Foundation’s new approach in supporting past players

Amid rising scrutiny on concussion and illicit drugs policy, a rival to the league-funded AFL Players’ Association has emerged – and, as MICHAEL WARNER reports, the big names are onboard.

A new independent voice for former AFL players is set to shake up the football landscape amid rising scrutiny on concussion and the game’s illicit drugs policy.

The FifthQtr Foundation will unveil its plan to become a key player in industry negotiations over the health of retired footballers at a forum at Ikon Park on Tuesday night.

Bryan Cousins, the father of West Coast Eagles great Ben who battled years of drug addiction, and Bombers legend James Hird will headline a discussion panel, backing the group’s push for a new approach in supporting past players.

FifthQtr has emerged a rival to the league-funded AFL Players’ Association, which currently acts on behalf of ex-players.

The AFL industry has been rocked on the eve of the season by the sudden deaths of former stars Adam Hunter and Troy Selwood, while the father of ex-Melbourne and Fremantle footballer Harley Balic, who died after a battle with substance abuse three years ago, last year revealed he blamed the AFL and its illicit drugs policy for the tragedy.

James Hird in action during the 2006 season.

Cousins Sr told the Herald Sun: “If any life experiences that I have had – whether they be good or bad - can assist or help others to understand or navigate a path, I’m happy to do so.

“The FifthQtr is a group who share an interest in not just the issues of past players but perhaps and maybe more importantly having a bank of knowledge that can assist the future of our game and its players.”

Established by Blues triple premiership great Ken Hunter and Peter Venables, the father of West Coast concussion victim Daniel Venables, the FifthQtr wants past player involvement in future collective bargaining agreement talks between the AFL and AFLPA.

Physical hardship, mental health, anxiety, depression and loss of identity were major issues facing past players identified in a recent FifthQtr survey.

The group also aims to offer support services to community level footballers and their families.

Hunter, who first spoke up on his own battle with depression in the late 1990s, will hand down the foundation’s ‘Better Futures’ report with Ted Carroll, president of the combined past players’ association, on Tuesday calling for the establishment of a “safe haven for past players in every state”.

Cartlon premiership hero Ken Hunter.

Bryan Cousins is the father of West Coast great Ben.

“Many of us are aware of and may even know former players and their families that have struggled beyond the game,” Hunter said.

“Whether it be drugs, alcohol, gambling, employment, financial or relationship issues. These issues can lead to mental health and wellbeing problems and can develop further into depression, anxiety and sadly, suicide.

“We are seeing more and more past players falling through the cracks and at FifthQtr we are seeing and hearing first-hand the struggles and challenges facing past players and their families.

“Many do not want to go back into the AFL system and that’s where FifthQtr comes in. We can play a critical role in giving an independent voice to past players.”

Hunter said his group was working with the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine, Epworth Hospital and the Psychological Association of Australia “to improve the quality of life for past players”.

The career of Daniel Venables was cut short.

FifthQtr is also calling for an annual round to honour former players and the appointment of a full-time past player welfare executive at every AFL club.

Venables’ son Daniel became a teenage premiership player in just his 15th game in 2018, but suffered seven brain bleeds and an on-field seizure in a sickening collision the next season, ending his career.

“The average AFL supporter would be shocked if they knew of who and how many past players are struggling with so many different issues and that is just at AFL level - the same issues occur at local community level as well,” Peter said.

“We ask our young brave gladiators to entertain us and they do willingly.

“All they should expect back from us is the integrity to respect and care for those who are

damaged.”

Originally published as James Hird and Bryan Cousins back the FifthQtr Foundation’s new approach in supporting past players