Hawthorn premiership ruckman Ian Paton has revealed his mental health battles after suffering head trauma throughout his AFL career. Source: HWT Image Library
HAWTHORN premiership ruckman Ian Paton yesterday joined dual Brownlow medallist Greg Williams in revealing his struggle with mental health since hanging up the boots.
At least five more former AFL stars are taking part in a university study into the long-term affects of head injury and concussion, and it is hoped an entire premierhip team from the 1970s will also be involved.
Williams also said yesterday he had been contacted by "five or six" other former players seeking help.
Paton said he "used to get knocked around a fair bit".
"Greg Williams said he got knocked down about three times - God, I lost count how many times I got knocked down," Paton said.
"A couple of times even at training you got knocked out."
The 1978 and 1983 premiership ruckman revealed he was diagnosed with depression about 15 years ago.
He also has issues with short-term memory and reaction times.
"I've been on medication for that (depression) for years," Paton said.
"You're just feeling down and terrible and withdrawn. I've been to quite a few doctors about it and medication helps a bit - but the minute you go off it you start feeling s---house again.
"There's also moods and a little bit of anger and stuff and you try to keep it under control as best you can."
Asked if his test results from Deakin University helped explain his problems, Paton said: "I'm finding it interesting and I think also my wife is finding it interesting.
"It helps them understand a little bit as well about what can go wrong."
Paton's complete test results will not be known for several weeks, but he said he believed there was a trend of players in his era suffering from mental health issues in later life.
"There is definitely a problem there with ex-players," Paton said.
Williams, who believes he is suffering from symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy - a degenerative brain disease - said he had already been contacted by other former players.
"Five or six players have rang me and they are suffering the same problems and they don't know what to do. Now I know what I'm doing and they want the same help as me," Williams said yesterday.
Former Western Bulldog Matthew Robbins came forward last year, revealing he was diagnosed with severe depression towards the end of his 146-game career.
He suffered several head traumas, including a collision that left him in hospital.
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