Calling mental health one of the biggest issues facing the sport, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has appointed two top-level doctors to new posts within head office.

Kate Hall will become the inaugural AFL Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing, while Ranjit Menon will become the league’s Chief Psychiatrist in a shake-up that has the backing of the AFL Players Association.

“These appointments ensure we have prioritised the wellbeing of players, umpires, coaches and football administration staff,” McLachlan said.

“The mental health and wellbeing of everyone involved in our game is a key focus, we know it is one of the biggest issues facing the industry.”

The appointments, to commence next month, come after a major review into league practices around mental health.

A string of star players – including Western Bulldogs flag-winner Tom Boyd and former North Melbourne champion Wayne Schwass – have spoken candidly of their challenges with mental health in recent years.

Boyd chose to retire earlier this year after physical and mental health problems, while others have taken breaks from playing to seek treatment.

The AFL hopes that Hall and Menon can lead changes that make mental health issues less

Hall, who will remain an academic at Deakin University in a part-time capacity, will review and be responsible for all mental health policies and activities within the AFL – including players, umpires and other staff – and industry.

Menon will oversee “all medical interventions” and healthcare practices.

Players Association boss Paul Marsh said both Hall and Menon had been engaged in the AFL’s psychologist network and he was proud of their appointments.

“Over the past 18 months the entire industry has come together to develop a united approach to tackle the complex issue of mental health,” he said.

“We have never felt more optimistic about the industry’s prospects of effecting meaningful change in what is our industry’s most pressing issue.”