UPDATE: Former West Coast Eagles player Bradd Dalziell has joined the mental health charity zero2hero in a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and teammate, Adam Selwood. Following a transformative half marathon in May, where he raised over $96,000 for mental health initiatives, Dalziell is now stepping into a new role to help combat the mental health crisis in Western Australia.
This decision comes after a challenging period for Dalziell, who faced significant mental health struggles after a personal relationship breakdown. Selwood, who tragically passed away in May, was a pivotal support during Dalziell’s darkest moments. In a powerful show of camaraderie, Dalziell participated in the HBF Run for a Reason, running in honor of Selwood and raising funds to support the work of zero2hero.
Dalziell emphasized the importance of community, stating, “Being able to run with his name on the shirt, and with $96,000 raised was phenomenal . . . it just shows the impact he and his family had.” The funds far exceeded Selwood’s original goal of $10,000, highlighting the widespread support for mental health advocacy.
In his new role at zero2hero, Dalziell will manage a team dedicated to delivering mental health programs to schools across WA. He passionately believes in the power of early intervention, sharing, “I see firsthand the impact these programs have — giving young people the skills, the confidence, and the courage to speak up. That’s what will save lives.”
Reflecting on his experiences, Dalziell noted the critical need for open conversations about mental health, particularly among men. “As men, we were never really taught how to deal with our feelings and emotions,” he said. This cultural stigma often leads to tragic outcomes, as seen with the loss of friends to suicide.
On AFL Grand Final Day this year, Dalziell plans to honor another friend, Andrew Macpherson, who took his own life in 2021. The tribute game serves as a reminder of the importance of connection and conversation among peers facing similar struggles.
Dalziell expressed gratitude for the support he received during his toughest times, particularly from fellow former players. “These conversations need to be as normal as saying hello to a mate,” he emphasized, advocating for a cultural shift towards openness about mental health challenges.
Since its inception in 2013, zero2hero has positively impacted over 250,000 young people through its programs. The charity’s founder, Ashlee Harrison, highlighted the urgent need for mental health resources, stating, “These programs are not a luxury, they’re a lifeline.”
As Dalziell embarks on this new chapter, he remains committed to giving back and fostering a supportive environment for future generations. “I feel like I’m more prepared now that if something does happen, I’ve got the tools and the assistance around me to overcome it,” he said.
For those in crisis, help is available. Contact Lifeline at 13 11 14.
Stay tuned for more updates on Dalziell’s journey with zero2hero and the ongoing fight for mental health awareness.
