Australian boxer Michael Zerafa is set to run a solo half marathon this Sunday in honour of the late Adam Selwood, a former AFL player who was planning to participate in the event for a mental health charity before his untimely passing last week. Selwood, aged 41, tragically died on Saturday, and had intended to run in Perth to raise awareness for mental health and support for young people through the charity Zero2Hero. His initiative aimed to create programs focussed on educating and empowering youths to manage their mental health and prevent suicide.
In a touching tribute to Selwood, Zerafa will complete his own run from Beveridge, located 37km north of Melbourne’s CBD, to Greenvale, covering a distance of about 21.5km. Describing the challenging terrain, Zerafa remarked, “It’s uphill, downhill, it’s gravel, it’s road, it’s dusty. It’s miserable, but it’s for a good cause.” He expressed a desire to encourage open conversation around mental health issues, stating, “I just want the word to get out that people can talk about their problems.”
Despite not knowing Adam or Troy Selwood personally, Zerafa spoke of meeting their brother Joel at a charity event, referring to him as a “gentleman.” Zerafa’s intention is to use his platform to support those struggling with mental health, having interacted with many individuals who have opened up to him about their challenges. He mentioned the importance of reinforcing that everyone is valued, urging people not to lose sight of their worth.
He anticipates that the run will take him approximately an hour and 40 minutes, but he is willing to adjust his pace to accommodate others who wish to join him in spreading the message and fostering awareness. Zerafa extended an invitation for others to participate, regardless of their ability, emphasising that any contribution is significant.
The news of Selwood’s passing has ignited discussions within the AFL community regarding the need for greater focus on mental health, particularly concerning retired players. Former North Melbourne premiership player Wayne Schwass has called for a dedicated round in the AFL to raise awareness about mental illness, a proposal that has received support from the AFL Players Association.
Adam Selwood was a key figure in the AFL, having played 187 games for the West Coast Eagles, including their 2006 premiership win, and was part of a family line celebrated in the sport. In light of these events, the call for a systematic approach to mental health support within the AFL is increasingly urgent.
If you or anyone you know requires immediate assistance, support is available through Lifeline at 13 11 14 or via their website at lifeline.org.au. In cases of emergency, it is advisable to call 000.