Adelaide SANFL midfielder Nathan Freeman says speaking up and seeking help for mental health issues can be a daunting task for everyone, particularly young men.

But he believes encouraging those who are struggling to come forward and chat instead of bottling up their feelings is one of the most important things you can do.

“To shine a light and get some more awareness on mental health is so important and just showing that there’s ways to cope helps,” Freeman said.

“Especially for young males and whatever stage they’re going through, having a good support system is crucial.

“Speaking to professionals and people whose job is to give you strategies and reaching out to people if you do need help is crucial.”

To help those fighting inner demons, together with his teammates and the West Adelaide Football Club, Freeman will be throwing his support behind the SANFL’s Breakthrough Round this weekend.

The annual Breakthrough Round, which was first hosted in 2019, aims to raise funds and awareness for the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation.

Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation is Australia’s only dedicated charity that focuses solely on mental health research.

Players and umpires will also don blue and purple armbands on Saturday.

Freeman, a former Collingwood and St Kilda player, said he had also dealt with his share of struggles after battling injuries during his AFL career.

He said having a SANFL round dedicated to tackling mental health would help to drive conversations around mental health awareness.

“Like everyone, I’ve had ups and downs and you’re never at peak mental health all the time,” Freeman said.

“Over my journey I’ve dealt with adversity, going through injuries, delistings and tradings and that sort of stuff can take a toll.

“But I’ve had a pretty good support system around me which is important.”

Adelaide is third on the SANFL ladder with a 4-1 win/loss record and will be looking to continue its strong form when it takes on the Bloods at Richmond Oval on Saturday.

“We are driving a really good culture and everyone is buying into the team-first mentality,” Freeman said.

“We are just building on what (senior coach) Michael Godden is building - it’s team footy, it’s playing your role, it’s about buying into what we’re about.

“We are really striving to get wins and be a real force in the SANFL.”