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AFL Star Oscar Allen Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles Amid Fan Backlash

2025-05-01
AFL Star Oscar Allen Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles Amid Fan Backlash
ESPN.com

West Coast Eagles captain Oscar Allen has spoken candidly about his mental health struggles, revealing he felt like he was at the centre of a maelstrom with 'everyone hated me' in the aftermath of his meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell. As a restricted free agent, Allen's future in the AFL has been the subject of much speculation, with fans taking to social media to vent their frustration and anger. The 24-year-old's emotional interview sheds light on the pressures of professional sports and the impact on mental wellbeing, highlighting the importance of mental health support and awareness in the sporting community, particularly in Australian Rules football. With the AFL season in full swing, Allen's story serves as a reminder of the need for empathy and understanding towards athletes, who are often under intense scrutiny from fans and the media. By sharing his story, Allen hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to speak out, using popular initiatives such as R U OK? and the AFL's own mental health programs.

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