A former AFL captain, Dyson Heppell, has opened up about his struggle with an unhealthy relationship with food during his playing career, shedding light on a controversial issue within the sport.
Heppell's journey began when he entered the AFL's harsh environment, where body image and weight management were given excessive importance. He described how players were categorized into groups based on their body fat percentage, with those not meeting the 'skinny targets' being labeled as part of the 'fat club.' This group faced additional training to reduce their body fat, creating a toxic environment.
"The pressure to maintain a certain body image was immense. It affected my relationship with food and my overall well-being," Heppell shared.
During his time with Essendon, Heppell played 253 games, but it was during his early career that he developed an unhealthy obsession with food and eating. He explained how he would pre-prepare meals and avoid eating when the team was away, fearing judgment and further scrutiny.
"It wasn't a full-blown eating disorder, but it was certainly disordered eating. I became so conscious of my weight that I hardly wanted to eat," Heppell confessed.
This issue isn't unique to the AFL, as former NRL player Luke Bateman also revealed the presence of unofficial 'fat clubs' in rugby league. In 2016, it was reported that Carlton had a similar initiative, with players exceeding 12% body fat being put into 'fat club' for intense training.
Sports administrator Brian Waldron criticized this practice, calling it socially irresponsible. He argued that such labeling could have a detrimental impact on players' mental health and self-esteem.
In 2024, the AFL took a bold step by banning skin fold testing on prospective draftees, a move that received mixed reactions. While some praised the league for prioritizing player well-being, others, like former coach Paul Roos, criticized the decision, suggesting players should focus on their performance rather than their body image.
Despite these efforts, the issue of unhealthy habits and weight obsession persists within the AFL. Former players continue to speak out about their struggles, with Cooper Hamilton sharing his battle with body dysmorphia and an eating disorder. The ABC's survey also revealed that elite female athletes face similar challenges with body image and disordered eating.
When asked if 'fat club' still exists within AFL clubs, Heppell's response was clear: "Still a thing." This highlights the need for continued dialogue and action to address this issue and promote a healthier relationship with food and body image within the sport.
