Sydney Swans official charity partner beyondblue is the chosen charity for this Friday night’s round 23 clash with Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium.

This week’s match will promote beyondblue’s new campaign ‘Man Therapy’, which aims to provide men with the tools to take action against depression and anxiety.

The face of Man Therapy, the straight-talking Dr Brian Ironwood, said the only thing more manly than a game of footy is taking mental health seriously.

“Footy is full of highs, lows, big bumps and courageous comebacks, much like life itself,” he said.

“I know Aussie men are almost 50 per cent less likely than women to seek support for conditions such as depression and anxiety.

“On any day, the number of men with depression in Australia would fill ANZ Stadium five times and the number of Australian men with anxiety would fill it 10 times.

"So have a look around the stadium during the game to understand how many men need support and encouragement to tackle these challenges.”

beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO said the partnership with the Sydney Swans provides an opportunity to get beyondblue’s important messages out to footy fans.

“We want people to know that these conditions can affect even the toughest people and it takes guts for someone to take back control of their life,” she said.

“Anyone who may be struggling, or knows someone who is, should check out the website or pick up some beyondblue information materials so they take those first steps and get back in the game.

“We are proud to have support from the Sydney Swans to help us build on our sporting partnerships and get our message out to everyone in New South Wales.”

Look out for the beyondblue volunteers dressed in bright blue shirts and wigs at ANZ Stadium this week, who will be handing out wristbands and collecting donations.

For more facts and resources on men’s health, visit www.mantherapy.org.au