Black to launch autobiography in Bunbury

Former AFL footballer and South West Football League premiership coach Heath Black will host a launch of his book Black in Bunbury on Monday.

The launch will be held at Collins Book Store from 4pm.

Written by author Lisa Holland-McNair, Mr Black’s book reveals his struggles with mental health, anger issues and alcohol abuse during his 12-year AFL career.

‘‘I’ve written it for men of all ages who are doing it tough, maybe struggling with alcohol abuse, anger or depression or maybe just not coping with life and all the challenges it keeps throwing in their direction,’’ Mr Black said.

Mr Black has fond memories of his time in the South West where he coached Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault to the 2010 SWFL premiership.

‘‘I lived in the South West for a couple of years and it was when I began to get things back on track in my life,’’ he said.

‘‘I used my time in the South West as a tool to get better.’’

The 192-game former AFL star said he was looking forward to returning to the South West and catching up with some close friends who had a big influence on his recovery.

‘‘There were certainly a lot of people that helped me along the way,’’ Mr Black said.

‘‘HBL president Angelo Catalano was a fantastic person who was always there for me and former HBL player Mick Sherry and his wife Kel, who I’m still close friends with, they are sponsoring the book launch which I’m really happy about.’’

The book is also available online at www.heathblack.com.au, with 5 per cent of all book sales to be donated to the Men’s Advisory Network which deals with men’s health issues.