When was the last time you cried? It’s a simple question which evokes complex and heart-warming responses in The Last Time I Cried, a new miniseries by AIA Vitality and the AFL, featuring some of footy’s most well-known personalities.

NINE current and former AFL players join Hamish McLachlan to reflect on a time in their lives when they battled their emotions. The series has been developed to showcase the players we know from the field, and allow them to share a happy or sad time, without any fear of being judged.

The Last Time I Cried features players breaking down the barriers and expectations that come with being a professional athlete, inspired by AIA Vitality’s dream to help Australians live healthier, longer, better lives, focused on supporting mental wellbeing in partnership with the AFL.

Proudly vulnerable, guests such as Trent Cotchin, Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Boyd, and Alex Johnson talk openly about their personal journey’s in a show of strength which aims to address the stigma often associated with men sharing their emotions.

The first episode's guest is Campbell Brown and premieres May 11 on AFL.com.au and AIA Vitality channels. The Hawthorn premiership player talks openly about love, family and the heartbreaking loss of his mother last year. In an emotional tribute, Campbell talks about the importance of allowing yourself to grieve.

Host and series creator Hamish McLachlan reflects on how the episodes have produced themes from the players.

“I wanted to create a platform where the guests could just speak openly. What we have found through the filming is they are really happy to, and the message that has come through is, regardless of who you are, or which jumper you wear on the weekend, we are all vulnerable, emotional beings. No one is without incident, and we need to look after each other” McLachlan said.

“Our guests have shown strength through vulnerability and we hope that the more we share our collective stories, the more people get to know the players away from the two hours of football each weekend. And with the chats we’ve had so far, I think the players are showing different sides to themselves, and highlighting it’s OK not to be OK at times, and being emotional doesn't mean weak, and seeking help from mates or others when you need it, is really brave.”  

AIA Australia and New Zealand’s Chief Executive Officer, Damien Mu, is proud to partner with the AFL to bring this mini-series to life.

“As an organisation our purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives and we are committed to helping Australians live healthier, longer, better lives. Our modern lifestyle and the stress of our current environment affects the mental health and wellbeing of everyone, so through this partnership we want help people know they are not alone in how they may be feeling and inspire them to share their feelings and stories with others to give hope to all.

“The AFL shares similar passions and values to ours, around family, community, mental and physical health and wellbeing – so it made sense to collaborate and raise awareness within the footy community to look after themselves, and each other, especially at this time” Mu said. 

The Last Time I Cried is brought to you by AIA Vitality in partnership with the AFL. To learn more about AIA and AIA Vitality, please click here.

Lifeline is an Official Charity Partner of the AFL, which provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Lifeline is a national charity and relies on community support. Donate online or call 1800 800 768 to support Lifeline.

For crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp.