Tom Downie Biography

Tom Downie has retired to concentrate on treating his ongoing mental health issues.

Downie, who was placed on the long-term injury list in March and stepped away from footy to seek treatment for anxiety, is currently contracted to GWS until the end of 2018, but the club will release him at the end of this year.

"I’ve been dealing with anxiety for a long period of time and retiring from football gives me the best opportunity to focus on my mental health," Downie said.

"I’d lost my passion to train and play which made it impossible to give everything that is required as a professional athlete.

"I hope that in making this decision, I can help others dealing with similar issues and make them more comfortable in speaking out.

"The club has been fantastic in how they’ve supported me and I’ve made many lifelong friends at the Giants."

Tom Downie has been placed on the long-term injury list to deal with a mental health issue.

GWS revealed that Downie has been struggling in recent months and had spent some time away from the club at various stages, so the move will allow him to concentrate on getting the support he needs.

“Tom’s been dealing with a mental health issue for a number of months and the club is doing everything possible to support him,” GWS footy manager Wayne Campbell said.

“Tom’s welfare is our priority, and those closest to him all agree that the best course of action is for him to step away from the game.

“Tom’s a very popular member of our playing group and he’s got the full support of the club.”

Tom Downie signs a new two-year deal with the Giants to remain at the club until the end of 2018.

Tom Downie has signed a one-year extension with GWS, tying him to the club until at the end of 2016.

Tom Downie makes his AFL debut for GWS with 4 disposals (3 kicks and a handball), a mark, 5 tackles and 2 hitouts in a 113-point loss to Fremantle.

Tom Downie says he is excited about making his AFL debut for the Giants.

"Last year I had a few good games, but there were times where I was struggling for form. But this year has been a lot better," Downie said.

"I've been confident in my ability from the start and that's obviously why I made the move. I was hoping to get a game this year and it turns out I've been lucky enough to do that."

Tom Downie, who represented Australia in under-17 basketball, will make his debut for the Giants against Fremantle.

"Tom Downie has been one of our most improved players on the list," GWS assistant coach Dean Brogan said.

"A year ago - jeez he was really battling. It was no fault of his own, he was just new to the game and he was a long way back. But he's closed that gap pretty well.

"He's a good kid, he wants to learn. He's got so many attributes - he can run, jump and reads the game really well."