Taking the next step
FORMER Geelong premiership star Tom Lonergan has spoken of the stress and anxiety AFL players face as they contemplate life after footy.
Lonergan, who retired from the Cats after a 209-match career in 2017, revealed the uncertainty of stepping away from the game filled him with fear.
“There was an anxiety about finishing up and not knowing what I was going to do next because footy was sort of heading that way,’’ he said.
And he said footy stars — and professional athletes in general — faced an “identity crisis” once they stepped away from the playing field and public limelight. “I guess that stress and anxiety was a bit of a weight off my shoulders when I got a clearer picture of life after footy,’’ he said.
“I think footballers in general feel a lot of stress and anxiety about what they are going to do post-footy and really struggle with that whole identity piece and what is next.’’
To help footy stars kick goals after sport, Lonergan has helped found a personal development program based on mentoring aid he received when he gave the game away.
“It’s certainly something the industry has been crying out for for a while,’’ he said.
“It’s not a quick fix but it’s something and I think something is better than nothing.’’
Lonergan, who suffered a life-threatening injury after a collision with Melbourne’s Brad Miller in 2006, said he sought help in 2009 when he first thought his career was coming to an end.
He was mentored by adviser Brent Lehmann and said figuring out his post-footy path inspired him to help others.
“For me, figuring a way was a relief and that is how it all came about — I said this has definitely worked for me so we need to look at expanding this a bit and making it a business model.’’
Lonergan and Lehmann cofounded online help program ImproveMe, based on one-onone mentoring work with athletes.
Lehmann said it was in response to AFL stars and athletes struggling to find their off-field place in life.
“Those who don’t have a life outside of sport or haven’t actively planned for one, will find that they are not prepared mentally, financially and emotionally when the time comes to walk out the door for the last time,” he said.
“In the worst cases, we see athletes facing mental health challenges, substance abuse, gambling and relationship issues.”
Lonergan said ImproveMe would help people identify their strengths, development and career options.
“I’ve seen so many players leave football with no idea about what they’re going to do next because they haven’t thought about it before retirement, or before their career gets cut short from injury,” he said.
“Helping them understand where their strengths lie and how they can use these to transition into a new career path will help them leave football more confident and prepared.’’
Lehmann said several AFL teams were interested in the system.
“The harsh reality is that not everyone is going to enjoy a 200-game career — just four and a half per cent of players are lucky enough to reach that milestone,’’ he said.
Lonergan said it could also be useful for mums returning to work, school leavers or exmilitary people returning to civilian life.