AFL: It’s the true-blue Aussie sporting community synonymous with mateship and teamwork; ideals which are often mirrored off-field between players in their day-to-day lives.
But while former AFL player and media personality Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald has previously kept his private life, well, exactly that, he’s increasingly opened up about the anguish of losing an unborn baby; an issue which men have rarely spoken about in the past. And, in turn, an issue which Fitzy is passionate about sharing his experiences with in the hopes it will bring awareness.
Speaking on FIVEaa Radio this week, the beloved Adelaide Nova radio host shared the emotional message of support he sent Adelaide Crows captain Taylor Walker after discovering his first child was stillborn – devastation he himself knows all too well.
Taylor “Tex” Walker, 28, and his 26-year-old partner Ellie Brown were expecting a baby in March, but last month, the tragic news was announced in a statement from the football club.
“Adelaide has granted Taylor Walker personal leave following the loss of he and his partner Ellie’s unborn baby,” the statement read.
“The thoughts of the entire Crows family are with Taylor and Ellie, as well as their extended family, at this difficult time.”
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When 4 becomes 5 ???????????????????? Baby Walker due March 2019 Super excited @elsbrown
Top Comments
Can I ask a rather gruesome question?
How is it possible to carry a dead foetus for weeks or more, without decay setting in?
Is the womb so sterile that there is no bacteria to begin the process?
Sending them a message is supporting them. Telling everyone about how you did it is patting yourself on the back.
I can see your point. But, I think it’s good for other guys to see this. Men are not always good in emotional situations, they don’t know what to say, and are uncomfortable expressing their feelings. It’s a difficult topic for everyone, and people tend to focus on the mums, and dads get a bit left behind sometimes. They do the ‘manly’ thing or trying to be strong for their partner, and bottle up their own stuff. (Exactly what my husband did when it happened to us.) But perhaps another guy will see this, and it will help him support his mate when he goes through something similar. I think we should be encouraging guys to talk about what’s going on, and reach out to others. I think it’s particularly good that these are two footballers, a famously blokey and macho stereotype, showing that it’s ok.
Totally.
Hopefully this makes sense, but my personal feeling is that all those things could have be addressed without sending out screen caps of the message he'd sent. Or by talking about his and his partners experience because he can relate.
Hell, he could talk about this specific situation, still using the Walkers as an example and say "we've been in touch offering support" without posting screen shots of the message he sent online and reading out back and forth texts on air.
Either way, I hope he had the Walker’s permission to read the texts on air. If they’re ok with it, I’ll assume he has good intentions. :)