Think Mental Health Round Close To Eardley’s Heart

Think Mental Health Round, a Healthway initiative support by WA Football, held special significance for East Fremantle premiership player Cam Eardley.

Like many in the community, Eardley has been affected by family tragedy, losing his brother to suicide a decade ago.

“Kai was my younger brother, and he passed away in 2016,” Eardley said

“Out of that loss my family started the Kai Eardley Foundation, which has now grown into Kai-Fella,” Eardley said.

“The Foundation was driven by my mum Claire and our family, with the aim of helping young people particularly boys and young men feel more comfortable talking about how they are going.

“Kai-Fella now runs workshops in schools and sporting clubs, encouraging vulnerability and conversations around mental health.”

Eardley is proud of the role the Foundation has played but admits talking about the trauma of Kai’s passing remains confronting.

“It’s certainly difficult, and it is still very raw at times,” he said.

“Losing Kai is part of our family’s story now, and I don’t think that necessarily gets easier with time.

“People often say time heals, but I’m not sure that’s always true.

“I think you just get better at carrying it and, in my case, I’ve probably become better at speaking about it.

“I do take solace in the fact that there is purpose in sharing Kai’s story.

“If talking about him helps one young person speak up or helps one mate check in properly on someone they care about, then it’s meaningful.

“But it does still hit home.

“I still manage that grief and loss, particularly around big milestones, and it’s something that will always be with me.”

Times spent growing up with his two brothers Kai and Joey remain a special part of Cam’s childhood.

“We grew up doing a lot together, plenty of camping trips, surfing, family holidays and, like most brothers, we were naturally pretty competitive,” Eardley said.

“To be honest, Kai seemed to be more talented than Joey and I at just about everything he turned his hand to.

“He was really loved, had a real caring nature, and people loved being around him.

“Like most brothers, we had our fair share of arguments and rivalry, but it always came from a place of love.

“My favourite memories are just the simple things we did together growing up.

“These days, I probably miss just not being able to share life’s big moments with him.

“My wife and I recently welcomed our daughter Charlie into the world, and not having Kai here to be part of her life and watch her grow up is something I find really challenging.”

Despite Eardley’s grief, he acknowledges the progress which has been made at footy clubs in mental health.

“I think footy, and society more broadly, have come a long way,” he said.

“Conversations around mental health are probably more open than they used to be, and there are better support structures in place across footy clubs.

“We’re fortunate at East Fremantle to have our chaplain, Charlie Riccardo, who does a lot of work in this space and has had a real positive impact on many of our younger players.

“That said, I think we only need to look at some of the tragedies we’ve seen in recent years at AFL and state league level to know there’s still plenty of work to do.

“We’re certainly moving in the right direction, and it remains an evolving space, but I do think the broader societal shift is helping.

“Men are more willing to have conversations, ask for help, and check in on those around them.”

On field, Eardley’s Sharks were beaten by just six points by Claremont at The Good Grocer Park last Saturday, despite kicking five goals to one in the final quarter.

The defeat leaves East Fremantle in seventh position on the ladder with five wins and six losses.

“We lost some experienced players through injury and had others drafted, and I think people were quick to write us off, but I don’t think our expectations as a team have changed dramatically.

“We still believe we’re capable of playing finals.

“I think our best footy has shown that and the challenge for us is making sure we can produce that when it matters.

The competition is as tight as I can remember, so it makes every game important, and I’m looking forward to seeing where we sit at the pointy end of the season.”

The 32-year-old, who has played 2009 games, is yet to decide whether he’ll continue his outstanding career in 2027.

“To be honest, I’m just focused on getting through this season and seeing where things land,” he said.

“Having Charlie has changed things a little and it has been nice spending time with her and Em, and it’s just about finding that balance that comes with work, footy and family.

“But as far as next year goes, I haven’t made any decisions and probably haven’t given it too much thought.

“I’ll see how the body feels, see how the season finishes up, and go from there.”

East Fremantle faces the West Coast Eagles at Mineral Resources Park on Friday night at 7.10pm.