Collingwood forward Alex Fasolo has progressed as a player and as a person since making the "courageous" decision to play on while battling depression, coach Nathan Buckley says.
Fasolo had a big impact on the Magpies' 15-point AFL win on Saturday over Gold Coast. This was despite copping an early hit to his ribs in a friendly-fire clash with teammate Brodie Grundy that looked like it could have ended his evening early.
He kicked 2.2 from his 19 disposals, while also providing four score assists, and bobbed up at important moments in a see-sawing contest at Metricon Stadium.
The 25-year-old took a week off earlier in the season to seek treatment for his mental health issues but Buckley said his work rate has lifted since returning to the side.
"It's all credit to him. He's actually really developing as a footballer again," Buckley said.
"At the beginning of this year, he was starting (games) well and then tailing off and then, clearly, there's some issues with his depression that he's dealing with.
"But he's probably more aware of that and more mature as a result of facing it - rather than hiding away - which was a courageous decision.
"We're seeing some really consistent footy from him. He's not going to beat himself anymore."
With Fasolo escaping injury, Buckley admitted the "footy gods" smiled on Collingwood as the Suns played out the whole second half down two rotations, with co-captain Steven May (hamstring) and midfielder Jarryd Lyons (ankle) restricted to the sidelines.
It clearly took its toll, with the visitors finishing strongly to break a four-match losing streak in wet conditions.
The Pies were celebrating two milestones - Jarryd Blair was playing his 150th game, while Daniel Wells, who left North Melbourne as a free agent at the end of last season, was electric in his 250th.
"I think the recruitment of (Wells) and the addition of him to our side is sound," Buckley said.
"We want to win as many games as you can and it so happens that when Wellsy's in the side, we tend to win a little bit more."
Australian readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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