Silvagni and teammate Garrick Ibbotson are ambassadors for the club’s associate charity partner, Lifeline WA, which provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services.
His position as an AFL player together with his role at Lifeline WA, has given the tough defender the opportunity to reach out to others.
“I want to use what I have as an elite athlete and a bit of media exposure to talk to people, tell them that it’s okay and there are places to go and they can get help,” Silvagni said.
“It’s such a damning statistic in society, so many males suffer from depression and take their own lives.
“For our demographic it’s so prevalent.”
Working in a male dominated environment, Silvagni said at times he feels there is stigma associated with being an AFL footballer.
“Some people think that guys don’t have feelings, we don’t feel stress or pressure or anything like that, but it’s so far from the truth,” he said.
“AFL football clubs are a highly stressful environment, like any other work place, you’re going to have your stresses during the day, we are under the microscope here and we need to break away at certain times.
“When we need to focus, we need to focus, and when we need to break away, we need to break away, because it does weigh down on you a bit.”
Silvagni, who enjoys the outdoors recognises the need to get away from the club to be able to relax and de-stress.
He often heads out on his boat to go fishing and finds it very therapeutic.
“I get on my boat and go out, I’ll think about things and brush them away and just focus on fishing,” he said.
There is also a strong focus within the club when it comes to mental fitness and recovery.
“We have different programs in place at the club, like mental imagery and mental relaxation sessions that are run by our club psychologist,” Silvagni said.
“We also have yoga which is such a therapeutic exercise.
“Obviously it’s physical exertion but it also helps you to relax and focus on your body.
“It’s a great way to release tension.
“Not just physically, but mentally you need to take some time out.”
Lifeline WA fundraising events:
Black Diamond Ball
Stress Down Day
