Rae Bonney with Alison Downie - May 2022

It was exactly 4 years ago, today that I had the pleasure of speaking alongside AFL Women's Champion Al Downie at the Sandringham Zebras President's Ladies Day and Beyond Blue Round. Alison captivated the room, as she described her experience as an elite sports person, coupled with managing some significant mental health challenges. Back then, Alison wore number 30 for Carlton AFLW, playing in the first-ever women's match - Carlton v Collingwood - in front of a packed house on Friday 3rd February 2017. Going on to notch up 31 games for Carlton, the Blues opted not to renew Alison’s contract for 2022, but Collingwood AFLW were on the hunt for a gun ruck and this superstar was not ready to hang up her boots.

We went to air on Sunday, 15 May, to hear Alison’s remarkable story of achievement and demonstration of true grit and resilience at https://www.3wbc.org.au/ Remember, it really is OK to not be OK!! #mentalhealth #aflw #womeninsport #womenshealth