I was born in Springvale in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs and started my football career in the local junior competition when I was quite young. As I was tall and sporty as a youngster, I developed a good aptitude for football and was invited to join the Sandringham Dragons’ TAC Cup team. While playing in this competition, I earned a position in the Victorian Metro Teal Cup team in 2000. This is a field which has produced many AFL players.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.
