Former Collingwood star and The Block contestant Darren Jolly reunites with the 2010 premiership-winning ‘Rat Pack’ after high profile struggles
- Caring for his well-being after the split from his ex-wife and the custody battle
- Made a public appearance looking happy and healthy
- For support, please 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 following his much-publicised personal troubles.
Jolly attended the match between the Pies and Geelong at the MCG, as part of the 10-year reunion of the Rat Pack, who won the AFL premiership in 2010.
The reunion was attended by many familiar faces including former coach Mick Malthouse, Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas, Dane Swan and current players Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom.
Better late than never, as the original 10-year reunion was postponed due to the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 and the challenges of reuniting all the familiar faces, including Jolly.
Jolly’s career wasn’t always rosy. He started as a second ruckman in Melbourne, but quickly moved up to Sydney. At Collingwood he confirmed his status as one of the best ruckmen of the 2000s.
Jolly was a man who covered a large field for his height and who could switch well to the position of striker. He gave the opposing coaches a headache with his height and his skills above their heads.
He was a model of durability, playing an impressive 142 consecutive games between 2005 and 2011. Collingwood fans will remember him as one of the key figures in the 2010 Premier League triumph.
However, the two-time Premier League star’s life spiralled out of control after he split from his wife of 15 years, Deanne Jolly, in 2019.
Jolly, far right, was at the MCG for the reunion of the ‘Rat Pack’, who won the Premier League in 2010
Jolly and new partner Lucy welcomed their first child into the world in 2020
Darren and Deanne were popular contestants on The Block, appearing twice in 2014 and 2015, winning the final season.
After the split, the exes became embroiled in a bitter custody battle, with Darren even considering suicide.
Jolly went public with his new girlfriend Lucy in November 2020 by posting 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 made a disturbing post on Instagram saying he ācouldnāt go on much longerā.
Several people called Victoria Police requesting a welfare check.
After trying to contact him for hours, his manager Paul Connors reported that the former Collingwood Premiership player had been found safe and well around 8.30pm that evening, almost two hours after the disturbing post.
He thanked everyone for their help in sharing appeals to find him.
While the footballers and Darren’s family came to support him, Lucy was among those helping, with Darren’s mother praising her for her ‘concerted efforts’ to help her.
āFirst of all we would like to thank Lucy for her efforts,ā Jacinta Jolly wrote in an emotional post on Facebook.
“As his parents, this has been the most terrifying 24 hours we have ever had to endure. He is safe and receiving the best care he needs at this time.”
Unfortunately, the Magpies failed to secure the much-needed victory.
In a thrilling match played before 73,435 fans at the MCG on Friday, the Cats emerged victorious in the final quarter to shake off the Magpies, claiming a 13.13 (91) to 10.11 (71) victory.
Geelong (44 points) jump to third with their third straight win, ahead of Fremantle and Essendon, while Collingwood (36 points) sit in 10th with their finals hopes looming.
For confidential support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636