Footy great reveals the shattering reason he used to pray that his team would LOSE their matches

St Kilda Icon Justin Koschitzke Reveals Mental Health Struggle and Concussion Impact

AFL legend and St Kilda great, Justin Koschitzke, has disclosed the profound impact of multiple concussions and battles with his mental health during his playing career. In a candid revelation, Koschitzke admitted he secretly hoped for his team to lose games as a coping mechanism amidst his struggles.

Candid Confession: Wishing for Defeat

The 42-year-old, who enjoyed a stellar career in the Australian Football League, joined the Saints as a highly touted draftee alongside his close friend Nick Riewoldt in the 2000 AFL National Draft. Koschitzke revealed to Hamish McLachlan on Channel 7’s Unfiltered program that the immense pressure and mental strain led him to an unsettling place.

“It was here at the MCG, it was an elimination final that year against Melbourne,” Koschitzke recounted to the broadcaster in an episode set to air on Wednesday. “Melbourne got three or four goals up in the third quarter or late in the fourth. Internally, I was the happiest person in this stadium, or anywhere in Australia, that Melbourne were going to win and I didn’t have to play the next week.”

This marks the first time Koschitzke has publicly shared this deeply personal experience. “Twenty years ago, that’s the first time I’ve publicly said that. It became the worst two hours of the week,” he confessed, highlighting the internal conflict he faced. “Then the shame you carry with that. I’ve got the best job in the world and you try and convince yourself (you do).”

AFL Career: Highs and Lows

Drafted to St Kilda in 2000, Koschitzke quickly made his mark, earning the AFL Rising Star award in 2001. The talented forward and ruckman went on to kick 247 goals in 200 games for the club before retiring in 2013. However, his career was also punctuated by significant challenges. A hamstring injury hampered his 2002, 2003, and 2004 seasons.

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In a particularly harrowing incident during the 2006 season, Koschitzke suffered a fractured skull in a match against the Western Bulldogs. This severe injury sidelined him for a considerable period and resulted in lasting hearing issues.

Riewoldt’s Perspective and Koschitzke’s Present State

Nick Riewoldt has also spoken about Koschitzke’s mental health journey. Speaking on The Agenda Setters, Riewoldt acknowledged his teammate’s past struggles but offered a positive update. “I’m aware of Kosi’s struggles, we’re still really good mates,” Riewoldt affirmed. He described the football field as having “become a really dangerous place for Kosi on the back of head knocks and concussions and stuff like that.”

Riewoldt added, “It’ll be a really confronting watch for people. Kosi’s in a much better place now.” This provides reassurance about Koschitzke’s current well-being, while also emphasizing the severity of his past experiences. “It just shows you never quite know what’s going on in the minds of some of the people you think you know really well, including some of your teammates,” Riewoldt reflected, highlighting the often hidden nature of mental health battles.

Long-Term Effects of Concussion and Mental Health

Koschitzke himself has been open about the enduring effects of concussion. In a 2022 interview, he revealed the alarming extent of his memory loss. “There’s multiple games I can’t remember finishing the game or driving home and that’s just ludicrous when you think about it,” he stated on 3AW’s Footy Then and Now Podcast.

He further elaborated on the ongoing challenges: “[My] mental health goes up and down, there’s memory loss, there’s mood swings, there’s all sorts of things. And I’m sure there’s a lot of other players out there that feel the same. It’s just a management thing, knowing how to work on it and navigate through a lot of stuff.”

Seeking Support: Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, help is available:

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
• Crisis Supporter: 13 11 14 (24/7)
• Lifeline Text: 0477 13 11 14 (6pm – midnight, 7 nights)
• Lifeline Online Chat: www.lifeline.org.au (7pm – midnight, 7 nights)