Imagine being a professional athlete, constantly under pressure to meet unrealistic body standards, only to be labeled and punished if you don’t measure up. This is the harsh reality Dyson Heppell, former AFL captain, recently exposed during his time on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here. But here’s where it gets controversial: Heppell revealed that early in his career, he developed an unhealthy relationship with food, bordering on disordered eating, thanks to the toxic culture surrounding body image in professional sports. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about physical performance; it’s about the mental toll these expectations take on athletes.
Heppell described a system where players who failed to meet weight or body fat targets were placed in a group derisively called the 'fat club.' Boldly put, this wasn’t just a fitness program—it was a form of public shaming. Players in this group were subjected to extra training, often intense and punishing, to shed weight. Heppell recalled a particularly frustrating experience when, after breaking his leg and being on crutches for an entire off-season, he still found himself in the 'fat club' for preseason. 'You kidding?' he exclaimed, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
This issue isn’t isolated to AFL. Former NRL player Luke Bateman confirmed that similar 'fat clubs' existed in rugby league, and in 2016, Carlton AFL club faced backlash for implementing a similar program. Players with more than 12% body fat, measured by skin folds, were singled out for extra training. Sports administrator Brian Waldron slammed the practice, calling it 'social stupidity' and warning of its potential impact on young fans. 'Surely they could call it something else,' he said, emphasizing the harm in labeling players this way.
But here’s the kicker: Despite growing awareness, the problem persists. In 2024, the AFL banned skin fold testing for prospective draftees, a move criticized by some, including former coach Paul Roos, who suggested players uncomfortable with such scrutiny should 'find another job.' Yet, former players like Cooper Hamilton continue to speak out about their struggles with body dysmorphia and disordered eating, painting a picture of a culture that prioritizes appearance over mental health.
The AFL has taken steps to address these issues, such as allowing AFLW players to opt out of being weighed and ensuring body measurements are taken privately by qualified professionals. However, Heppell’s recent statement that 'fat clubs' are 'still a thing' suggests there’s a long way to go. Is this a necessary part of elite sports, or is it a harmful relic of the past? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about where we draw the line between performance and well-being.
