As a result of my success in this under age competition, I was chosen by the Fremantle Dockers Football Club as its selection number 66 after I nominated for the AFL national draft in 2000, making my AFL debut in the 2002 season.

During June 2003, some problems arose with my health.  I began enduring significant symptoms including intestinal abscess, lethargy and blood loss, especially following lengthy periods of exercise such as training sessions.  The cause of these symptoms was unidentified at the time.

With no immediate diagnosis made, my health continued to deteriorate.  In January 2004 I lost around 10kg in weight.  During pre-season, most AFL players are expected to gain kilos through weight training sessions, so this sudden loss was especially unexpected.

A diagnosis of Crohn’s disease was finally made in June, 2004.  Once correct treatment and medication to stabilise and monitor the condition began, I returned to my position in the team.  However, it was not until half way through the season that I made an excellent recovery and played every game during 2005 and was placed 4th in the best and fairest competition for that year.

Like all sufferers of Crohn’s and colitis, there are many highs and lows to cope with during various stages but understanding of the management of the condition and commitment to maintaining fitness resulted in a relatively stable period of health through 2006-2008.

Equal commitment on the part of the Fremantle Dockers Football Club to lend its support to me led a 2 year contract extension with the Club, so I remain contracted until the end of the 2010 season, at which time I will have achieved a 10 year career with the Fremantle Dockers.

I chose to become an Ambassador of The Gutsy Group as I wish to use my high public profile as an AFL footballer to raise awareness of Crohn’s disease and demonstrate to the many people who suffer IBD that with the right approach and plenty of dedication you can still achieve your goals.

I also wanted to be able to share the positive results openly speaking about my experiences with people –  the issue of mental health being crucial here, and so I resolved to make myself available to contribute in any way possible around my football obligations.

But these were the first true signs that something wasn’t right. Tiredness and lethargy, chronic stomach pain, unexpected weight loss, and regular visits to the nearest “facilities” then began to take over. A simple night with friends involving the consumption of small amounts of alcohol generated constant nausea, and there were no immediate signs of why this was the case.

With no visible signs of poor health such as a plaster cast for a broken limb, it was difficult for those immediately close to understand exactly what was happening. Worse still, I had no idea what was happening.

This continued for nearly 12 months until a forced hospital visit provided the answer. With deteriorating health, a weight that was continually falling, and no sign of an immediate solution, a local GP suggested an immediate trip to the emergency room. I was admitted immediately, and then spent the next week undergoing numerous tests to determine the outcome. Then the answer came. You have Ulcerative Colitis.

I had never heard of this before, and immediately wondered what this meant.  Would I live a normal life? Would medication simply make it go away and what about playing football?  All important questions for a 20 year old.

This was more than 15 years ago now. Since then, I was forced to retire from playing football and I’ve learned to understand that the disease is always with you and is incurable. However, this hasn’t affected my quality of life; it hasn’t affected my ability to fulfil my ambitions in life. Sure, there has been the constant vigilance that is required – from regular colonoscopies, a career change that was required to avoid travelling to third world countries, the inability to enjoy a couple of bottles of wine with friends, to the continuous questioning of dietary requirements, restaurant selections, menu’s etc. I have a tremendous family who provide great support at all times, and I can never underestimate the importance of a wonderful, very close support network of family and friends who learn to understand the various “ups and downs” of living with Colitis.

Throughout my Colitis journey, for what is approaching half of my life, I’ve become passionate about making sure others never lose sight of the fact that they can live a normal life. Sacrifices are made along the way, but everyone has to make them at some point in their lives. With so many great medical practitioners who are committed to the cause, there is absolutely no reason why anyone living with Colitis (or Crohn’s) cannot fulfil all of the ambitions they have in their lives.

Its my passion to help others, talk with them and let them know that opening up your private life – whilst very tough initially – can be enormously rewarding and beneficial and drove me to become an active ambassador for The Gutsy Group.