Over 640 past players partook in the FIFTHQTR survey in order to convey where they felt they most needed help after completing their football careers.  Additionally, the report provides FIFTHQTR’s key directives and their direct correlation in aiding past players in the areas where they stated they would have most appreciated assistance.
Please click HERE to view the Better Future Report in its entirety.

At this point FifthQtr Foundation is supported by like – minded people. Former Carlton greats Ken Hunter, Mark McClure and Justin Madden, medical practitioner Peter Wirth and Peter Venables, parent of Daniel Venables who was forced to retire from West Coast Eagles with a concussion injury.  We are all volunteering our time. No one is being paid.

Through the FifthQtr network we are already helping past players and their partners who didn’t know where to turn.

However for FifthQtr Foundation to be successful we need help.

Whether that be through philanthropic donations, sponsorship, in-kind or have thoughts and ideas you would like to share or simply have time on your hands with workplace skillsets we would like to hear from you.

This can be done through visiting the website fifthqtr.org.au/contact-us/.

FifthQtr Foundation was created by former VFL and AFL players, industry stakeholders, medical practitioners and members of the grass roots community whose shared experiences identified that more can/should be done to support past players.

Many of us know of former players and their families that have struggled beyond the game. Whether it be drugs, alcohol, gambling, employment, financial or relationship issues. These issues can lead to mental health and wellbeing problems and can develop further into depression, anxiety and sadly suicide.

These reasons include the loss of competing at the highest level (adrenaline) the camaraderie, the structure and the support. We do know that most past players whether they are transitioning or have been retired for quite some time are stoic and many suffer in silence.

You may have noticed FifthQtr Billboards on major transport routes across country Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne. Some 30 billboards went live this month promoting the brand FifthQtr.

FifthQtr would like to take this opportunity to thank the outdoor advertising industry, in particular Media Circus Australia, Tom, QMS, JC Decaux and oOh Media who didn’t hesitate at the opportunity to support FifthQtr’s cause. We are extremely appreciative and grateful.

Between March and June in conjunction with the Combined Past Players, FifthQtr, conducted a national past player survey with participating AFL Clubs, Brisbane, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Richmond, Sydney, West Coast and Western Bulldogs.

The response was compelling with over 640 responses received by past players.

Importantly there is overwhelming support for an independent organisation dedicated to providing support to past players with 88% of respondents rating this as important to very important.

We have provided the participating AFL Clubs their individual Club survey reports. This will help them understand what their past players are saying and what support they need.

The survey results have shown that the common themes include, medical issues, experiences with depression, anxiety, mental health and concussion related problems.

Services determined to be of most importance include, employment, legal advice, financial advice and concussion referral / advice.

We have also conducted a number of focus groups with a qualified organisational psychologist with past players, partners and families  delving into their experiences with concussion and mental health & wellbeing issues.

We are in the process of collating all the information of the survey and focus groups and working with the Combined Past Players Association to prepare a Better Futures Report to be presented to the AFL and AFLPA.

Welcome to the first edition of FifthQtr Foundation news. We plan to provide a monthly update to keep you informed and provide knowledge and information which you may find beneficial and interesting.

Firstly though, a big thank you to all the volunteers and like minded people who have contributed to the establishment of FifthQtr Foundation.

FifthQtr FOUNDATION is a not for profit organisation and registered as a charity under the subtype advancing health. The foundation has been approved for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Status.

FifthQtr aims to be an independent voice for past AFL & AFLW players and provide mental health & wellbeing support. Our aim is also to provide information and referral services to past players.

FifthQtr has been clear about its position in filling the gaps and working with the AFL Clubs, AFLPA and engaging with the community.

Recently we completed a national past player survey and conducted focus groups to provide the insights and foundations to build our in progress business model.

What to Expect

We will discuss the background of the player, the incident that caused their possible unexpected retirement, and the effects that had on them.

You will see what the player tried after retiring and their career after the final game.

We will share how FIFTHQTR was able to help or what we could have done if we were around then.

You will also learn about the possible involvement this player now has with FIFTHQTR and how they’re contributing towards our vision.

Keep an eye out on our news page and our socials to stay up to date.