AFL Legend Rex Hunt Confronts Health Struggles
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The world of Australian Football has been somberly shrouded with the news that one of its most prominent figures, Rex Hunt, is grappling with a significant downturn in his health.
On his podcast You Cannot Be Serious, fellow AFL icon Sam Newman brought to light the dismaying news that his lifelong friend, Rex Hunt, is confronting another grim episode in his continuing struggle with bipolar depression.
Rex is currently under the compassionate care of an institution, receiving support and assistance for his ongoing mental health trials.
Newman shared, ‘I will give you a Rex update ... I’m just telling you this seriously ... he has since gone into a decline, and he is currently under the care of an institution, and he is not going too well.’
Before we continue, let's dive into Rex's legacy as a titan of AFL. With a career spanning over a decade, Rex was a true force on and off the AFL field.
Beginning his pro-career with Richmond in 1968, his tenacious spirit and savvy playing skills saw him play in two premierships.
Even after he hung up his cleats, Hunt seamlessly transitioned into the commentary box, breathing new life into live coverage with his boisterous personality and insightful game analyses.
In his tender comments about Rex, Newman, himself a staple of the AFL community, revealed his deep concern and support for his mate.
'He has gone into a decline, into a state of depression again, and we're wishing him well. He has a lot to offer... People love him and want the best for him.' Newman shared.
He went on to add, ‘He is a very dear friend, and we hope he is back up and going soon.’
Indeed, Rex possesses a wealth of talents outside the arena of football. An avid outdoorsman, Hunt is equally passionate about fishing.
Off the field, Rex has gained another cult following with his popular fishing show, Rex Hunt's Fishing Adventures, where his larger-than-life persona and expert angling skills shone through.
However, this bright narrative has been shadowed by an underlying struggle.
High-stress environments, the pressure to perform, and the debilitating effect of career-ending injuries can often lead people down the dark path of mental health issues.
Recently, Rex faced this serious issue head-on by advocating for men's mental health awareness.
His presence and candid speeches have undoubtedly provided comfort and inspiration to many others combating similar issues.
Earlier this year, Hunt shared his experiences with mental health after being hospitalised following an incident on a Victorian freeway. You can read more about that here.
He confessed to a tumultuous period where he became dependent on painkilling drugs after his neck operation, altering every facet of his life.
Hunt said, ‘At the moment, I’m quite happy to just go along with life and not make a fool of myself.’
He added, ‘And just understand that it’s never ever going to be the same (as it was before). I got hooked on painkilling drugs when I had my neck operation (seven years ago). It’s about as simple as that. And then my whole life changed, particularly above the shoulders.’
Hunt revealed that he experienced an opioid overdose, which led to a rapid decline in his well-being.
During challenging times, it is essential to remember that help is within reach, with numerous organisations dedicated to supporting those in need.
If you or someone you know is battling depression, please do not hesitate to reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636. You can also confide in your GP, a local healthcare professional, or a trusted individual.
We wish Rex a journey to recovery filled with swiftness and strength reminiscent of his remarkable plays on the AFL field.
On his podcast You Cannot Be Serious, fellow AFL icon Sam Newman brought to light the dismaying news that his lifelong friend, Rex Hunt, is confronting another grim episode in his continuing struggle with bipolar depression.
Rex is currently under the compassionate care of an institution, receiving support and assistance for his ongoing mental health trials.
Newman shared, ‘I will give you a Rex update ... I’m just telling you this seriously ... he has since gone into a decline, and he is currently under the care of an institution, and he is not going too well.’
According to Sam Newman, Rex is once more experiencing a decline. Source: Facebook
Before we continue, let's dive into Rex's legacy as a titan of AFL. With a career spanning over a decade, Rex was a true force on and off the AFL field.
Beginning his pro-career with Richmond in 1968, his tenacious spirit and savvy playing skills saw him play in two premierships.
Even after he hung up his cleats, Hunt seamlessly transitioned into the commentary box, breathing new life into live coverage with his boisterous personality and insightful game analyses.
In his tender comments about Rex, Newman, himself a staple of the AFL community, revealed his deep concern and support for his mate.
'He has gone into a decline, into a state of depression again, and we're wishing him well. He has a lot to offer... People love him and want the best for him.' Newman shared.
He went on to add, ‘He is a very dear friend, and we hope he is back up and going soon.’
Indeed, Rex possesses a wealth of talents outside the arena of football. An avid outdoorsman, Hunt is equally passionate about fishing.
Off the field, Rex has gained another cult following with his popular fishing show, Rex Hunt's Fishing Adventures, where his larger-than-life persona and expert angling skills shone through.
Rex Hunt is widely recognised as a prominent sports personality and fishing enthusiast. Source: Blue Planet Entertainment
However, this bright narrative has been shadowed by an underlying struggle.
High-stress environments, the pressure to perform, and the debilitating effect of career-ending injuries can often lead people down the dark path of mental health issues.
Recently, Rex faced this serious issue head-on by advocating for men's mental health awareness.
His presence and candid speeches have undoubtedly provided comfort and inspiration to many others combating similar issues.
Earlier this year, Hunt shared his experiences with mental health after being hospitalised following an incident on a Victorian freeway. You can read more about that here.
He confessed to a tumultuous period where he became dependent on painkilling drugs after his neck operation, altering every facet of his life.
Hunt said, ‘At the moment, I’m quite happy to just go along with life and not make a fool of myself.’
He added, ‘And just understand that it’s never ever going to be the same (as it was before). I got hooked on painkilling drugs when I had my neck operation (seven years ago). It’s about as simple as that. And then my whole life changed, particularly above the shoulders.’
Hunt revealed that he experienced an opioid overdose, which led to a rapid decline in his well-being.
During challenging times, it is essential to remember that help is within reach, with numerous organisations dedicated to supporting those in need.
If you or someone you know is battling depression, please do not hesitate to reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue at 1300 224 636. You can also confide in your GP, a local healthcare professional, or a trusted individual.
We wish Rex a journey to recovery filled with swiftness and strength reminiscent of his remarkable plays on the AFL field.
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