In recent weeks, two sporting heroes exemplified the ups and downs of life. It has been a case of triumph and tragedy.

Triumph is often associated with war, competition and, ultimately, victory. Great achievements borne of great struggle and sacrifice become stuff of legend.

Tragedy, conversely, quickly shelves the euphoria associated with triumph and balances the highs of victory.

Tasmanian Tim Paine, the accidental Australia Test Cricket Captain, perhaps two years ago more likely to sell you a Kookaburra bat that lead his country to victory in the Ashes in England, made us proud. And then Danny Frawley, the St Kilda legend and media personality who was the funny guy, died. Frawley passed away as a result of a car crash. He had suffered depression for a significant period and, as a result, bravely became an advocate for those suffering mental health issues.

There is a common saying that the Australian Test Cricket Captain is only second in importance to the Prime Minister. The expectation and pressure so great that rarely do we roundly praise or condemn our leader; with the selection of the captain as important as white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel.

Tim Paine’s leadership is an extraordinary tale of perseverance. The wicketkeeper, cruelly struck down by a finger injury that nearly resulted in amputation following several unsuccessful surgeries, has brought Australian Cricket back from the brink.

Former captain, and the best batsman since Don Bradman, Steve Smith failed his leadership test by not speaking-up when David Warner and Cameron Bancroft used sandpaper to rough the ball. They were given no quarter and the trio were suspended for 12 months as a result, harsher penalties than many other countries have imposed, but with the cheating so blatant and morally bankrupt, Cricket Australia had to act swiftly and with considerable force.

The selectors turned to Tim Paine. It was an inspired choice. Paine is the best gloveman since Ian Healey. But more than that, he is a decent human being. In a time of need, we turned to a person with undoubted skill, yet more importantly, a leader who was able unite a team that had been torn apart. As a result, Paine should be captain for as long as he chooses – his contribution is far greater than the dismissals he assists or the runs he scores.

The celebrations enjoyed and pride felt by Tasmanians for Tim Paine and the Australian Cricket Team winning the Ashes quickly dissipated when we heard of Danny “Spud” Frawley’s tragic death.

The country kid played 240 VFL/AFL games for St Kilda, captaining the club from 1987-1994. Frawley would also coach Richmond for five tumultuous years. During the highs and lows of playing and coaching he would put the team first, becoming the spokesperson for clubs who underachieved.

Frawley wore his heart on his sleeve, often overcome with emotion that was juxtaposed with moments of infectious laughter, beautiful camaraderie with his fellow presenters and superb comedic timing. And in all this – the constant was pain; he would describe the black dog that followed him barking louder and louder.

Danny Frawley died a day after his 56th birthday, during the week of national suicide prevention day and the annual RUOK awareness campaign. He leaves behind his mum, a wife and three daughters, a mourning AFL community, and colleagues and friends desperately searching for reasons in times of great sadness.

Frawley’s legacy is that he found the courage to speak up and share his battle. Men are ever so slowly getting better at acknowledging their struggles, speaking-up and seeking help.

However, approximately 3000 Australians still die from suicide each year. It remains the leading cause of death for men aged 15-44 with males three times more likely than females to take their own lives.

In triumph, tragedy is not far away. And in tragedy, triumph can rise as leaders harness the collective power of teams united for a common cause and determined to overcome. They exhibit strength through speaking plainly, being compassionate and empathetic, making tough decisions and not hiding behind excuses.

Proud Tasmanian and Australian Test Cricket Captain Tim Paine has succeeded because he cares for his teammates. We should all follow his lead.