St Kilda and Brisbane unite for Danny Frawley in emotional scenes as the football legend’s great friend, Jason Dunstall, urges the public to open up about mental health in a touching tribute
- St Kilda and Brisbane paid tribute to Danny Frawley on Friday
- The Saints legend tragically died after crashing his car into a tree in 2019
- If you need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
St Kilda and Brisbane paid tribute to Danny Frawley on Friday night as the two clubs marked Spud’s Game.
Frawley was killed when his vehicle crashed into a tree near Ballarat, Victoria just before 1.30pm on September 9, 2019, a day after his 56th birthday.
The football legend – who suffered from mental health issues – was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind his wife Anita and three daughters Chelsea, Keeley and Danielle.
He has since been diagnosed with CTE – a neurogenerative disease linked to repetitive trauma to the head – following his death when his brain was examined by the Australian Sports Brain Bank.
In 2021, his family launched a new mental health charity: ‘Spud’s Game: A Match ofr Mental Health’ and on Friday players from the Saints and the Lions gathered to raise awareness around mental health.
Players from St Kilda and Brisbane Lions united for Danny Frawley on Friday night
The St Kilda legend and TV personality passed away in 2019 after battling mental health issues
St Kilda plays a ‘Spud’s Game’ every year with the proceeds going to a mental health and suicide prevention foundation
Frawley’s great friend Jason Dunstall paid tribute to the football legend at Marvel Stadium
Players from both sides, plus the umpires, united in a circle for the bounce as Frawley’s great friend Jason Dunstall urged the crowd to speak openly about their mental health.
Proceeds from Spud’s Game help raise money for mental health and suicide prevention programs delivered through the Danny Frawley Center for Health and Wellbeing.
The Lions then moved past a lackluster St Kilda by 28 points to earn some handy breathing room in the top four and condemn the Saints to their second straight defeat.
A horrific two-goal first half proved costly for the Saints as the Lions largely failed to capitalize on their dominance, but triumphed 12.12 (84) to 8.8 (56) as a high-stakes clash turned into a heavy affair .
St Kilda spearhead Max King was held goalless by Jack Payne and will be assessed by the match judge after being reported for punching Brisbane defender Ryan Lester in the second quarter.
Defender Liam Stocker was also reported for a dumping tackle on Eric Hipwood just before half-time.
The Lions (40 points) leapfrog Melbourne (36) into third and have some breathing room over the Saints, Essendon – who play on Saturday night – and the Western Bulldogs (all on 32 points).
Brisbane hipwood kicked four goals, ruckman Oscar McInerney beat Rowan Marshall and Joe Daniher (18 disposals, two goals) was influential.
Co-captain Harris Andrews (21 disposals, 14 marks) made light work of young Saints forward Anthony Caminiti and was a crucial interceptor.
Lachie Neale (29 touches, 10 swipes), Josh Dunkley (26) and Jarrod Berry (18 touches, one goal) were all busy.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (24 touches, one goal) was St Kilda’s shining light, while Jack Sinclair (36 touches, one goal) won plenty of possession.
