Introducing the Geelong West Giants Wellbeing Hub: A New Home for Support, Safety & Connection

Geelong West GDFNL Shaka Cup V Corio 2025

At the Geelong West Giants, we’ve always believed that strong minds build strong teams. This season, we’re taking that belief even further with the launch of our brand-new Wellbeing Hub, a central place for players, families, coaches, and supporters to access support, information, and resources designed to keep every Giant safe, healthy, and thriving on and off the field.

This isn’t another page buried on the website. It’s a commitment. A culture shift. And a reminder that no one in our club walks alone.

Why We Built the Wellbeing Hub

Sport is powerful; it builds friendships, confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. But it also brings pressure, challenges, and moments where players or families may need a little extra support.

The Wellbeing Hub brings together everything the club already does for player welfare into one easy-to-find space:

• Mental health programs • Injury support • Concussion safety • Recovery partnerships • Player check-ins • Emergency contacts • Tools and resources for players and families

It’s designed to be accessible 24/7, so help is always close, whether you’re dealing with a tough week, managing a return from injury, or just want to learn more about supporting a young athlete.

Meet Our Wellbeing Team

Every great club needs people who make it safe to speak up.

Our dedicated Wellbeing Officers, Mandy Molloy-Lee, Bernard Leavold, Maggie Munn, Scotty Chandler, Adam Vaughan, Bron Calnon and Rylie Mckenzie are here as confidential, approachable contacts for players and families. Whether someone needs guidance, a check-in, or a connection to professional support, they’re available across the season to help steer things in the right direction.

This is an essential part of our culture: players know exactly who they can turn to.

Our Mental Health Partners

We’re proud to work alongside organisations who share our commitment to supporting players at every stage of life:

The Shaka Project

Breaking the stigma around mental health with honest conversations, especially for men and young people.

Read the Play

Empowering young athletes with mental health literacy, confidence, and awareness.

Tackle Your Feelings

Training for coaches and volunteers based on the mental health experiences of AFL players and staff.

These partnerships bring expert knowledge straight into our club environment, through workshops, programs, and accessible resources for all ages.

Concussion, Safety & Injury Support

Player safety comes first, always.

The Wellbeing Hub includes:

Compulsory Baseline Concussion Testing

The Giants were the first club in our region to introduce mandatory baseline testing for players from U16S upwards, a huge step forward in protecting long-term health.

Injury Clinic – Barwon Sports Physiotherapy

Our club sponsor Barwon Sports Physio offers free 10-minute injury assessments every Monday at 5:30 pm. Players can get early advice or reassurance, helping prevent small issues from becoming big ones.

P3 Recovery Partnership

Access to professional recovery tools, including ice baths, infrared saunas, contrast therapy, and compression technology, helping players reset, rebuild, and recover properly.

Tools, Resources & Support Services

Inside the Hub you’ll find:

• Practical mental health tools • Mindset strategies • Tips for checking in on teammates • How to handle stress or tough patches • Links to emergency and crisis services • Information for parents supporting young players

A Club Where Everyone Belongs

Wellbeing isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s who we are.

We want every Giant to feel:

• Seen • Safe • Supported • Connected • Proud to ask for help

On game day, at training, and everywhere in between, our message is simple: You’re part of a community that shows up. For you, for your family, and for your wellbeing.