HE'S regarded as one of the tough nuts of the Riverina League, but the past two years since his younger brother took his life he's spent spreading the word it ain't weak to speak.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong midfielder is taking part in The Black Dog Institute's Mullets for Mental Health, and will grow his locks throughout September.
It seems an ideal time for the Orange-based Rothnie to get the 'business at the front, party at the back' look happening, given barbers are closed during lockdown.
"Initially I put the (fundraising) goal at $500 and I reached that in two hours. I increased it to three grand and I think I hit that the other day," Rothnie said.
"It's not really about the money at the end of the day, it's about promoting awareness, understanding the stigma that's still attached to it (mental health) and getting the word out there.
"It's a topic that's been brought up more and more these day, especially with everything going on at the moment.
"(It's about) the importance of treating other people well, you never know what other people are going through.
"You might poke fun or take the piss, but nobody ever knows what's going on inside your head. We need to treat that with a little more care and not cross those boundaries."
IN OTHER NEWS
Rothnie was asked to participate in the cause by a friend who also lost a brother through suicide.
He said the barriers that may be preventing some people from speaking up when they're going through issues are gradually being addressed.
"Times are changing, you'd probably go back 20 or 30 years and guys would be saying to harden up," Rothnie said.
"It's an ever changing topic and it's nowhere near to the potential it can get to, but it's most definitely getting there."
Rothnie said the Lions were disappointed they didn't get a chance to shoot for a flag after winning the minor premiership, but it would provide "fire in the belly" for next season.
Donations to Rothnie's 'Mullets for Mental Health' fundraiser can be made by logging on here.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters