Former Collingwood star and The Block contestant Darren Jolly reunites with the 2010 premiership-winning 'Rat Pack' after high profile struggles
- Sparked fears for his wellbeing after split from his ex-wife and custody battle
- Has made a public appearance looking happy and healthy
- For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
Former Collingwood star and The Block contestant Darren Jolly has made a rare public appearance looking happy and healthy after his highly publicised personal struggles.
Jolly was at the MCG for the Pies' clash with Geelong as part of the 10-year reunion of the Rat Pack, who famously won the 2010 AFL premiership.
The reunion included plenty of familiar faces, including former coach Mick Malthouse, Dale 'Daisy' Thomas, Dane Swan, and current players Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom.
It was a case of better late than never, with the original 10-year reunion delayed due to COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and the challenges of bringing all the famous faces, including Jolly, back together.
Jolly's career took the scenic route, starting as a second-string ruckman at Melbourne before rising to prominence in Sydney and confirming his status as one of the best ruckmen of the 2000s at Collingwood.
A man who covered the ground well for his size and was adept at switching to full forward, Jolly caused opposition coaches headaches with his height and overhead prowess.
He was a model of durability, playing 142 matches in a row between 2005 and 2011, and is best remembered by Collingwood fans as one of the keys to the 2010 premiership triumph.
However, the two-time premiership star's life spiraled out of control after he separated from his wife of 15 years, Deanne Jolly, in 2019.
Jolly, far right, was at the MCG for the reunion of the 2010 premiership-winning 'Rat Pack'
Jolly and new partner Lucy welcomed their first child to the world in 2020
Darren and Deanne were popular contestants on The Block, appearing twice in 2014 and 2015, and winning the latter season.
Following their break-up, the exes were locked in a bitter custody battle, and Darren even contemplated suicide.
Jolly went public with his new girlfriend Lucy in November 2020 when he posted a loved-up selfie on Instagram of the pair on holiday, which coincided with his birthday.
A month earlier, Darren had sent shockwaves through the AFL community when he shared a worrying Instagram post in which he said he could not 'go on much longer.'
Several people called Victoria Police to ask them to perform a welfare check.
After spending hours trying to get in touch with him, his manager Paul Connors said the former Collingwood premiership player had been found safe and well at about 8:30 pm that night—almost two hours after the concerning post.
He thanked everyone for their help in sharing calls for help finding him.
As footballers and Darren's family swarmed to support him, also among those helping was Lucy, who Darren's mother praised for her 'concerted efforts' to help.
'First of all, we wish to thank the concerted efforts of Lucy,' Jacinta Jolly wrote in an emotional Facebook post.
'As his parents, this has been the most terrifying 24 hours we've ever had to endure. He is safe and receiving the best care he needs right now.'
Unfortunately the Magpies were unable to find a desperately needed win for the occasion.
In a see-sawing game in front of 73,435 fans at the MCG on Friday, the Cats stepped up when it counted in the final quarter to shake off the Magpies and claim a 13.13 (91) to 10.11 (71) victory.
Geelong (44 points) leap to third with their third win on the bounce, ahead of yet-to-play Fremantle and Essendon, while Collingwood (36 points) sit 10th, with their finals hopes on the brink.
For confidential support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
