On this episode we are joined by Albany Sharks President, Tracy Blaszkow. Tracy joined us to share one of the greatest country football premiership stories. The Sharks managed only two wins throughout their first twelve seasons in the Great Southern Football League. This was a long hard slog for players, coaches, and administrators like President Tracy Blaszkow. This September they became premiers for the first time. Tracy is a strong advocate for pioneering change within her club and championing members’ wellbeing. She has transformed the relatively new club, helping establish a positive and inclusive culture for all.

If you take anything away from today’s episode, make sure to Talk to a Mate® or check in on a family member or friend. Mental health issues can affect anyone. It may be difficult at first, but talking can help.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe and share it with your mates.

Check out the recently launched WA Footy Wellbeing Hub

To suggest a guest, email us at wacountry@wafc.com.au or contact us via Facebook or Instagram

Bush Footy Legends is produced by Magic Studios and presented by the WA Country Football League in partnership with Healthway promoting the Think Mental Health message.

For most people, just asking if they are okay and listening can make a difference. By simply being there for your mates, they can feel less along and more supported to open up and talk about how they are really feeling. For tips and more info, visit Think Mental Health

Wow, what a powerful story this is! We were lucky enough to be joined by Linda Kelly who shared her journey and how country sport has helped her to overcome significant adversities in her life. Linda has represented WA in five different sports, recently become a local umpire and still playing for the Dampier Sharks. Linda also discusses the importance of the Talk to a Mate® message and how getting around your mates within your local football and sporting club is extremely important in regional WA.

If this episode triggers anything for you, worried about someone, or need some information of support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. Mental health issues can affect anyone. It may be difficult at first, but talking can help.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe and share it with your mates.

Have you checked out the WA Footy Wellbeing Hub?

To suggest a guest, email us at wacountry@wafc.com.au or contact us via Facebook or Instagram

Bush Footy Legends is produced by Magic Studios and presented by the WA Country Football League in partnership with Healthway promoting the Think Mental Health message.

For most people, just asking if they are okay and listening can make a difference. By simply being there for your mates, they can feel less along and more supported to open up and talk about how they are really feeling. For tips and more info, visit Think Mental Health

Simon Duckworth is one of the great country stalwarts and a West Perth legend. Duckworth spent a couple of years as a rookie on the Eagles list before carving out a legendary career at the Falcons where he one a flag and then returned home to Kulin where he is still averaging around 3 goals a game in his mid-40s.

If you take anything away from today’s episode, make sure to Talk to a Mate® or check in on a family member or friend. Mental health issues can affect anyone. It may be difficult at first, but talking can help.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe and share it with your mates.

Check out the recently launched WA Footy Wellbeing Hub

To suggest a guest, email us at wacountry@wafc.com.au or contact us via Facebook or Instagram

Bush Footy Legends is produced by Magic Studios and presented by the WA Country Football League in partnership with Healthway promoting the Think Mental Health message.

For most people, just asking if they are okay and listening can make a difference. By simply being there for your mates, they can feel less along and more supported to open up and talk about how they are really feeling. For tips and more info, visit Think Mental Health

Ryan Borchet is one of the most exciting forwards in the WAFL, a high-flying goalkicker for Subiaco, with the lions threatening their best approaching finals this season. Originally from Kalgoorlie, Ryan joins us to discuss his football journey from juniors in the Goldfields to playing at WAFL level and some exciting times ahead for him personally and the Subiaco Football Club.

If you take anything away from today’s episode, make sure to Talk to a Mate® or check in on a family member or friend. Mental health issues can affect anyone. It may be difficult at first, but talking can help.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe and share it with your mates.

Check out the recently launched WA Footy Wellbeing Hub

To suggest a guest, email us at wacountry@wafc.com.au or contact us via Facebook or Instagram

Bush Footy Legends is produced by Magic Studios and presented by the WA Country Football League in partnership with Healthway promoting the Think Mental Health message.

For most people, just asking if they are okay and listening can make a difference. By simply being there for your mates, they can feel less along and more supported to open up and talk about how they are really feeling. For tips and more info, visit Think Mental Health

This episode is a must listen. Callum Foster is a country footballer, business owner, personal trainer and mental health advocate in his regional town, Dunsborough. Cal is a podcaster in his own right and a trailblazer in the health and wellbeing space. Tune in for some valuable insights and more info on the work Cal is doing both on and off the field for Dunsborough Sharks.

You can listen to the Brothers & Yarns podcast on Sportify or find out more about Cal’s gym, via The Movement Fitness

If you take anything away from today’s episode, make sure to Talk to a Mate® or check in on a family member or friend. Mental health issues can affect anyone. It may be difficult at first, but talking can help.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe and share it with your mates.

Have you checked out the recently launched WA Footy Wellbeing Hub?

To suggest a guest, email us at wacountry@wafc.com.au or contact us via Facebook or Instagram

Bush Footy Legends is produced by Magic Studios and presented by the WA Country Football League in partnership with Healthway promoting the Think Mental Health message.

For most people, just asking if they are okay and listening can make a difference. By simply being there for your mates, they can feel less along and more supported to open up and talk about how they are really feeling. For tips and more info, visit Think Mental Health

Terry ‘Tuck’ Waldron has the most incredible sporting life. Now known as much for his work off the field than on it. Tuck Waldron played at Claremont and South Adelaide, but you might know him for his 16 years in Politics or his time at the WACA. He is also a leader in the mental health space and speaks passionately about the importance of managing your mental and emotional wellbeing, particularly for men in regional areas.

If you take anything away from today’s episode, make sure to Talk to a Mate® or check in on a family member or friend. Tuck’s story is a good reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone. It may be difficult at first, but talking can help.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe and share it with your mates.

Have you checked out the recently launched WA Footy Wellbeing Hub?

To suggest a guest, email us at wacountry@wafc.com.au or contact us via Facebook or Instagram

Bush Footy Legends is produced by Magic Studios and presented by the WA Country Football League in partnership with Healthway promoting the Think Mental Health message.

For most people, just asking if they are okay and listening can make a difference. By simply being there for your mates, they can feel less along and more supported to open up and talk about how they are really feeling. For tips and more info, visit Think Mental Health

Brett Peake is the son of a WA football great. His father Brian played over 400 games between East Fremantle, Geelong and had a brief stint at Perth.

Brett’s own career took him to Fremantle, the clubs only ever father son selection and then to St. Kilda. Playing under Ross Lyon he came as close as you can possibly come to the ultimate football success, but his first taste of a flag had to wait until he started forging his career in the country.

Now Brett is shaping the fortunes of a club in the Great Southern, which had won just two games in more than a decade before he arrived.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe and share it with your mates.

Contact email: wacountry@wafc.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WACFL/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wacountryfootball/

Bush Footy Legends is produced by Magic Studios and presented by the WA Country Football League in partnership with Healthway promoting the Think Mental Health message.

For most people, just asking if they are okay and listening can make a difference. By simply being there for your mates, they can feel less along and more supported to open up and talk about how they are really feeling.

Check on your mate!! It will help. For tips and more info visit thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au.

Ben Howlett has had the sort of career country footballers dream of.

From a family at the core of the Donnybrook Football Club, Howlett became a colts premiership player and a league best-and-fairest winner at Peel Thunder before a late opportunity on an AFL list was thrown his way.

His time at Essendon wasn’t all easy, enduring the turbulent time of the club’s supplement saga and a 12-month ban, but from a late rookie selection Howlett became a Bombers main stay.

After a stint captaining Peel, Donnybrook’s favourite son has returned home, and after winning a best-and-fairest at the South West club, he has opened up on his time at the Bombers, how he reflects on the controversy surrounding his time at the club, and playing footy at home again.

If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe and share it with your mates.

Contact email: wacountry@wafc.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WACFL/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wacountryfootball/

Bush Footy Legends is produced by Magic Studios and presented by the WA Country Football League in partnership with Healthway promoting the Think Mental Health message.

For most people, just asking if they are okay and listening can make a difference. By simply being there for your mates, they can feel less along and more supported to open up and talk about how they are really feeling.

Check on your mate!! It will help. For tips and more info visit thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au.