In Tyson’s memory

Former Buln Buln and Warragul Industrials star Tyson Bale passed away suddenly in late July 2020.

By sports editor Russell Bennett

“He never wanted to be a burden to anyone, but if only he knew we never thought of him that way and we would have done absolutely anything for him. We don’t want anyone to go through what we’ve had to. It’s just so important that people know to talk, about anything.”

That is the message Tyson Bale’s elder sister Sharni wishes she never had to experience first-hand.

Her baby brother was the shy, quiet type around those he didn’t know well.

But he was the compassionate, loving, energetic life of the party around those he did.

And on the field – boy, was he one hell of a warrior.

What he lacked in height, he more than made up for in ferocity, undeniable match-winning skill, and an unflinching attack on the contest.

Tyson, still only 24, passed away suddenly just over six months ago – tearing the heart out of the local community.

And in a time shrouded by the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the distance and isolation that came with it, so many were unable to say goodbye.

But that will change next month, as Tyson’s former clubs – Buln Buln and the Warragul Industrials – come together for the Tyson Bale Memorial Game on 27 March at Western Park.

It will mark the coming together of not only his closest friends and family, but his former club mates, and those desperate to see anyone experiencing their own mental health battles step forward and open up.

“We’re all dealing with the same situation, so it’s great that everyone can lean on each other for that bit of support,” Sharni explained.

“All the boys, all of Tyson’s mates, have been great with Dad – they still go down and have a few beers in the shed with him, just like they would in the past, just to make sure he’s ok.

“We never, ever saw it coming. We knew Tyson was struggling, but never for a minute did we think this would happen. We’re all wondering what we missed. It’s just horrible, it honestly is.

“It’s so important to talk to someone when you’re struggling. Tys was the baby of our family so he kept to himself and he was actually quite an emotional person. He never wanted to be a burden to anyone, but if only he knew we never thought of him that way and we would have done absolutely anything for him.”

Mindfull Aus will hold next month’s memorial game alongside both the Industrials and Buln Buln, with key figures from all three spearheading the initiative.

“With everything that’s happened, Dad is the biggest advocate for encouraging people to open up about anything,” Sharni said.

“He’s always asking people if they’re ok, and he’s trying to start conversations – and that’s what Mindfull is all about, making everyone aware of just how important it is to talk.”

Matt Runnalls is a multiple premiership-winning midfielder from his time at a number of clubs in the local area. His is a story that’s far from uncommon. In fact, it comes from a situation that’s so eerily similar to that faced by thousands of people across the country.

But yet it’s one so often left alone – left unspoken under the guise of a 20-something-year-old’s perceived cloak of invincibility, or the fear or awkwardness of opening up.

Since he was 17, he’s battled severe anxiety and depression, which led to several suicide attempts. He’s also lost a number of close mates who were facing their own mental health battles and couldn’t find a way through the darkness. So Matt refuses to shy away from his battle. He embraces it and hits people right between the eyes with his cold, hard, truth. It even led to him starting his own foundation, and now a registered mental health charity, Mindfull Aus.

“For us at Mindfull Aus, to be able to do something like this and host this game with the collaborative help and support of both the Buln and Warragul Industrials football clubs is really important for the community,” Matt explained.

“Tyson passed away in a really challenging time for a lot of people during Covid, and a lot of people weren’t able to actually give him a proper farewell and celebrate his life the way he deserved to be remembered.

“It’s important we don’t remember him for his struggle. It’s important we remember him for the massive positive impact he made on everyone he touched and came into contact with, both on and off the footy field. It only makes sense for us to welcome the new footy season in a way that meant the world to Tyson.

“A massive contributing factor to the reason a lot of people have struggled through this really tough time of physical distancing and isolation is not having those outlets to be, to love, to belong, and to feel a sense of connection to other people. Our footy and sporting communities provide that for so many people.

“A lot of us go through these struggles because we believe this narrative about ourselves that just isn’t true. On March the 27th, you’re going to see just how many people did love Tys and did appreciate him. These events can act as a way of helping other people understand that, so that they can choose to be here tomorrow – no matter how dark, painful, or difficult the situation may be.

“Every single person, as they drive through the gates, is going to see one thing that’s symbolic throughout the whole day, and that’s the colour green – the conversation starter and the colour for mental health awareness.

“The more conversations we have, and the more people who understand why we’re holding this game, the better off they’ll be if there comes a time when they’ll need to reach out for help, themselves.”

Troy ‘Buckets’ Hemming and Jack Symes aren’t just favourite sons of the Dusties and Buln Buln, respectively. They were also great mates of Tyson’s.

Together, they’ve raised thousands of dollars for Mindfull’s mental health cause, and they’re also key pillars behind next months’ memorial game.

“This game has been discussed since Tyson passed,” Troy explained.

“All we (the Dusties boys) wanted to do was play a game for him as I feel we didn’t get to give him the respect that he deserved.

“After I put my hand up to help raise awareness and funds for Mindfull Aus, I thought I could tie all this up with the big game for Tyson. So I’ve got a Buckets Mega Raffle going, which will be drawn after the game. I want the two clubs to have a great day, celebrate the life of Tyson Bale and make sure we don’t have to organise one of these games again is it’s been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.

“How? Speak up if you’re feeling down. I’ve recently tried a few different councillors and I have found one that is helping a lot. The other thing is to be open to listening to others speak – no more “you’ll be right mate”. Let’s get conversations going and be comfortable in talking about your feelings.”

These guernseys, created by D.Roy Design, are set to be worn by the Warragul Industrials and Buln Buln players in the memorial match for Tyson Bale. Picture: SUPPLIED

Jack said this initiative means everything to those who were lucky enough to be part of Tyson’s life.

“This memorial match gives us an opportunity to play for Tys one last time and I know how much that means to both clubs,” he said.

“I feel it’s fitting that Buln is to wear his junior number of 17, where he was always a superstar, and for the Dusties to wear number 1, which was his senior number – where he was always amongst the best.

“Due to the lockdown last year no one could get together after the funeral to give him the send-off he deserved. This match will hopefully give everyone a chance to remember the champion Tys was, both on and off the field. I just know how important it is for us to start having these hard conversations with one another so we don’t ever find ourselves in a position like this again.”

Warragul Industrials president Dale Bainbridge is a long-time friend of the Bale family. He explained the significance of the memorial game, to both the Dusties and Buln Buln.

“The closer we get to the start of this season, the more I’m thinking about him and missing him,” he said.

“I know the Bale family is really looking forward to this, but for both clubs, too, I think it’s the start we need for 2021 after everything that happened throughout 2020.

“We’ve got a great relationship with Buln – I love that club, which is why I honoured them in my speech at Tyson’s funeral. Who Tyson was as a person was probably more down to Buln than it was us.

“We’re looking to honour him as best we can – and not just with this game – but this is a great way for us to kick off the year.”

Both the Buln Buln and Warragul Industrials sides – as part of their final pre-season preparations for their respective Ellinbank and District and West Gippsland football campaigns – will wear specially designed guernseys for the clash, both featuring the Mindfull message, and the colour green for mental health.

The jumpers will be available to order on the day, with all proceeds going towards helping to deliver mental health training within the local community.

There will also be auctions throughout the day – featuring signed football boots and playing jumpers of some of the Gippsland favourite sons who’ve gone on to play in the AFL. All proceeds will go towards Mindfull Aus’ efforts to provide affordable, local training and wellbeing services in the local community.

Tyson Bale is survived by his father Bob, mother Julie, siblings Rhiannon, Alicia, Harley, and Sharni and a seemingly never-ending group of mates.

For those facing their own battles, reach out to your loved ones – your family and your mates. You will not be judged. You are loved, and you are valued.
Those seeking help should contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or by visiting www.lifeline.org.au; Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au; or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.