Students in Years 9 to 12 recently attended a presentation by former Melbourne Football Club captain David Schwarz, who shared his personal experience with gambling addiction and recovery. Through an honest and engaging discussion, students gained valuable insight into the impacts of addiction, the importance of help-seeking, and the role that supportive relationships play in wellbeing.
School Captain Jackson C reflects on the session below.
On Tuesday 25 August, former Melbourne Demons captain David Schwarz visited our School to share something deeply personal: his long battle with gambling addiction.
What struck most of us were the brutal realities behind his addiction. He explained how quickly money disappears when you’re caught in the cycle of gambling. As someone who reached the peak of AFL, winning Melbourne’s Best and Fairest in 1999 and playing a key role in the team’s run to the 2000 Grand Final, he demonstrated that elite achievement does not protect you from hitting rock bottom.
David also shared how normalised casual gambling has become, especially in Australia, and how the dopamine rush it provides is what kept dragging him, and so many others, back into the cycle of addiction.
One of the most powerful parts of the seminar was David’s emphasis on speaking up. He was honest about how long he suffered in silence, thinking he could handle it alone and stop whenever he wanted. It wasn’t until he opened up to a close friend he trusted deeply that real change became possible.
David stressed that struggling is nothing to be ashamed of and that the first step is always admitting you need help, whether that is from a friend, family member, or professional. It’s a message that applies to all of us, regardless of what we’re facing.
The seminar was highly interactive, with students asking a range of questions, from the impact addiction had on David’s family to what he enjoys doing now. David spoke about finding healthier outlets, including fishing and his weekly Wednesday morning golf games. He explained that replacing gambling with other meaningful activities helped make his lengthy recovery process possible.
David credited the people around him, including friends, family and counsellors, with helping to save his life. His journey reminds us that while addiction can feel isolating, recovery does not have to be.
If you’re struggling with anything, remember that reaching out is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. And if someone you know is doing it tough, listening and offering support can make more of a difference than you might think.
A huge thank you is extended to David for sharing his story and providing such valuable insight into this important topic.
