Australian boxer Michael Zerafa will run a solo half marathon this Sunday in memory of former AFL player Adam Selwood, who had committed to running the distance for a mental health charity before he tragically died last week.
Selwood last month spoke of his intention to complete a half-marathon in Perth on Sunday in honour of his late twin, Troy, who died by suicide in February.
He was to run for Perth-based charity Zero2Hero as part of the charity event Run For A Reason, which aims to “provide programs that educate, engage and empower young people to support and maintain their own mental health and prevent suicide in the community”.
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Selwood, 41, a West Coast premiership player, died on Saturday. He had raised more than $47,000 – well past his goal of $10,000.
A spokesperson for Zero2Hero said on Monday the charity was shattered by the news but planned to honour Selwood at Sunday’s run.
Boxer Michael Zerafa. James Alcock
The news about the Selwood twins has gripped the AFL and wider community, including world-ranked fighter Zerafa, who will honour the West Coast premiership player on Sunday in a run of his own.
Zerafa told Wide World of Sports he will run from Beveridge, a suburb 37km north of Melbourne’s CBD, to Greenvale, which is roughly 21.5km away.
“We pass about three or four suburbs, it’s uphill, downhill, it’s gravel, it’s road, it’s dusty. It’s miserable, but it’s for a good cause. I just want the word to get out that people can talk about their problems,” Zerafa said.
“People that I know have taken their lives, and hearing it on the daily, I felt like I had to do something. When I saw Adam had committed to the run but now unfortunately can’t see it through, I’m more than happy to do my bit.
“The Selwood brothers gave back to the AFL and put the sport on the map in their own way. But it’s not just them, other people are struggling too.
“It’s free to be nice. I just want to help people, man, I want to use my platform to help.”
Zerafa said he did not know Adam or Troy Selwood personally but had met brother Joel at a charity function once, describing him as “a gentleman”.
The boxer said he often chats to people on social media who reach out during rough points in their lives.
“People have been really opening up and telling me, you know, like I’m going through this, I’m going through that, you know, I wanted to take my life last week, I’m going through a divorce. So this is my way of helping.
“Having close friends of mine and growing up with people (who committed suicide), it’s just sad.
“I couldn’t imagine what these guys are going through because that’s why I said on my post the other day, I’m like, just remind yourselves, you know, look in the mirror, you’re loved, you’re wanted, and, you’re somebody’s perfect, so don’t, don’t put yourself down.”
The Victorian fighter said the run would take him an hour and 40 minutes, but he is willing to slow his pace if other people would like to complete the mission with him.
“If anyone wants to join and get amongst it and spread the love and spread the awareness, shoot me a message on socials, the more the better, we’ve got to stick by each other.
“I’m not physically going through it, but if I’ve got the platform to spread it, whether you’re an athlete or not and you wanna participate and jump on board, even if you can only do half of it, you know, you’ve done half more than somebody else that hasn’t.”
News of Selwood’s passing has sparked calls for the AFL to put a deeper focus on mental health and the wellbeing of retired players.
Former North Melbourne premiership player and mental health advocate Wayne Schwass called for an entire round dedicated to raising awareness around mental illness.
The AFL Players Association is supportive of the proposal for a mental health round, and also provides support for players.
Adam Selwood played 187 games for West Coast, including the 2006 premiership victory, and was one of four Selwood brothers to play in the AFL.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000
