AFL CHIEF executive Gillon McLachlan on Thursday said it was vital for all members of the community that people struggling with mental health issues are able to speak up and seek support to assist in their welfare.

Mr McLachlan said it took great courage for any member of the community, including AFL players, to step forward and say they needed support with mental health issues.

"All of us in the community need to understand that seeking support is often the hardest and most difficult step for a person to take," Mr McLachlan said.

"Collingwood's Alex Fasolo has currently taken the step to say he needs help and his family, friends and club and the wider football community is rallying around him. Our responsibility as a community is to allow him, and all people, to seek the help they need."