Winning The Mental Health GameWednesday, June 18, 2025 - 8:08 AM

East Fremantle’s Luke Strnadica is a strong advocate for this weekend’s Think Mental Health Round in the Sullivan Logistics WAFL season.

Strnadica has been open about his mental health struggles during his footy career, a journey which saw him at the Fremantle Dockers in 2017 and 2018 before being called up as a Supplemental Selection Period rookie for ruck back-up at the West Coast Eagles heading into the 2022 season.

Strong WAFL performances after his time at the Dockers gave him a sound base to relaunch his AFL career but he quit the Eagles without an AFL game next to his name.

The stress and mental challenges Luke faced at the top level reached peak levels at the Eagles as the side struggled to find on field success.

“I think mental health is very important,” Strnadica said.

“I think it’s a big thing in footy especially when things aren’t going great.

“When you’re not winning it’s important to have a great culture and coaches around you which I’ve loved since being back at East Fremantle.”

Now back in familiar surroundings at The Good Grocer Park, Strnadica has been joined at the Sharks this year by his cousin Isabella, who made her WAFLW debut earlier this season.

“I’ve been tracking her to see how she is going,” he said.

“I’ve been to a couple of her games which has been nice and hopefully they can have a really good season and fingers crossed Isabella can play as many games as possible.”

Isabella, who took up footy playing Auskick in Katanning, is trying to establish a place in the Sharks team on a wing or off half back.

Having her cousin at the Sharks has been a blessing for Isabella.

“It is really great, Luke is such an amazing player, and we are always messaging each other, checking in to see if we are playing on the weekend or if we don’t make league just sending supportive messages and words of encouragement,” Strnadica said.

Isabella made her WAFL debut against reigning premiers Claremont in Round 3.

“I’ve been going along okay and getting some games under my belt,” she said.

“I’ve felt reasonably comfortable as I played four Reserves games before I went into the League side.

“I’m hoping I can play a big role for the team and play finals football.”

Luke is also targeting plenty of September action.

“I am desperate as I haven’t played finals footy in my career so that’s a big push for me,” he said.

“Seeing the boys win the flag in 2023 was fantastic and something I want to experience.”