The fourth annual AFL beyondblue Cup grand final replay match between the Hawthorn Hawks and Geelong Cats has been hailed by footy fans as one of the best games of the 09 season.

Each year, the teams play for the coveted cup, with Geelong emerging victorious for the second year running in last Saturday's Round 17 clash at the MCG.

The thrilling match saw the Cats win by a single point with the final score 99 to 98. Down by 28 points early in the final quarter, the Cats lifted on the back of chanceless performances by Joel Selwood, Joel Corey and Andrew Mackie.

Jimmy Bartel booted two late behinds including one after the siren to see the Cats bring it home in front of almost 65,000 people.

The beyondblue Cup began in 2006, with the aim of raising awareness of depression, anxiety and associated drug and alcohol problems and to reduce stigma within the AFL community.

beyondblue ads were played during half-time and beyondblue volunteers handed out wristbands and depression information to footy fans before the game.

beyondblue CEO Leonie Young said beyondblue has been working with the Australian sporting community for many years to address stigma attached to mental health problems.

"We know that depression does not discriminate," she said. "Even elite, fit sportspeople are at risk. More than one million people in Australia currently experience depression, so if it's not you, the chances are you will know someone who is affected.

"The beyondblue Cup is always a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of depression among footy fans, the local community and people watching the game on TV. We want people to know effective treatments are available, that it's OK to talk about it and the important thing is to get help early.

"We congratulate the Cats on their triumphant win, the Hawks for playing an exceptional game and keeping us all on the edge of our seats and - of course -  the Hawthorn and Geelong Football Clubs for continuing the proud tradition of the beyondblue Cup."

Cameron Ling received the Cup from Victorian Mental Health Minister Lisa Neville. He said he hoped the game got people thinking about mental health and encouraged them to talk about this issue with friends and family.

"People are generally hesitant to speak up about depression. The beyondblue Cup was a great chance to generate conversation amongst friends and remove the taboo previously associated with this illness," he said.

Hawthorn Captain Sam Mitchell added: "Hawthorn was proud to play for the beyondblue Cup. We hope our involvement helped to increase awareness of depression and encouraged people to seek help."

In the lead up to the game, a well-attended public Youthbeyondblue forum was held in Hawthorn where beyondblue Chairman Jeff Kennett discussed beyondblue's national youth campaign.

Around 150 people of all ages attended the forum to hear Mr Kennett and a range of guests discuss issues about depression and anxiety in young people aged 12 to 25.

Did you miss the youth forum? Listen to each of the speakers here.

Click on the speaker's name to download a sound recording of their presentations at the Youthbeyondblue Forum.

• Jeff Kennett, beyondblue Chairman and Hawthorn Hawks President.
• Nathan Thompson, former-AFL player who experienced depression at the height of his elite level football career.
• Jeremy Mann, 21-year-old Youthbeyondblue ambassador who has experienced depression.
• Bronwyn Collins, a Melbourne -baseduniversity student who has experienced depression.

Visit beyondblue's youth site www.youthbeyondblue.com for more information on depression, anxiety and related mental health disorders in young people.