Performance Potential

Matildas forward Michelle Heyman lived with anxiety and panic attacks for years, but she struggled to talk about it with her friends, family and teammates.

Before retiring in 2019, she said to her psychologist she felt like she couldn't breathe. One of the most difficult conversations and decisions in her life, turned out to be one of the most important. During her time off the field, Michelle rediscovered herself and learned that while football is a big part of her life, it isn’t everything.

The path to healing took time and support, especially from Michelle's now-fiancée, Christine, who regularly checked in and created a safe space to talk openly. Returning to football has given Michelle new purpose, to inspire the next generation to look out for one another.

This , Michelle shares just how life-changing a simple check-in can be 👉 ruok.org.au/michelle-heyman-on-speaking-our-and-starting-over

✨ Big news! ✨
Our Principal Psychologist, Georgia Ridler, is now opening her books on Thursdays for new clients.

Georgia is a wise and compassionate psychologist who works with clients navigating:
🌱 Anxiety & overwhelm
🌱 Injury & uncertainty
🌱 Sporting performance
🌱 Life transitions & adjustments
🌱 Self-esteem and confidence

With a strengths-focused approach, Georgia helps you take meaningful steps forward — whether in life, sport, or performance.

Book an In-Person session or connect Online — whatever works best for you.
Spots are limited, so secure your appointment today 👉 https://www.performancepotential.com.au/georgia-ridler/

At Performance Potential, we take risks . . . the good kind.

We don’t settle for safe, standard, or same-old approaches.

Instead, we step out of our own comfort zone so teens, athletes, and leaders can step out of theirs.

✨ We test beliefs.
✨ We challenge limits.
✨ We create spaces where resilience is built.

Because growth doesn’t happen in the shallow end — it happens when you’re backed to learn, stretch, and shine.

We’re here to make that possible. 💥

✨ There is much talk about AFL player Bailey Smith and his recent journey with his mental health.
But there is something no-one is talking about 👇

This young man — this young athlete — endured a significant injury that took him away from:
⚡️ his job
⚡️ his routine
⚡️ his teammates
⚡️ his passion
⚡️ his happy place.

👉 For high-performance athletes, injuries lasting 8+ weeks don’t just affect the body. They can have a huge impact on confidence, mood and self-belief.

💡 Don’t wait for things to spiral. Get advice early!
Because recovery isn’t just physical — it’s mental too.
👉 If you (or your athlete) are going through this right now, drop us a message — I’m sure we can help.

At the AFL Awards, Bailey Smith spoke candidly about one of the hardest chapters of his life, revealing he spent a month in a Melbourne psych ward before his move to Geelong, bravely sharing his mental health battle for the first time.