Nathan Freeman (born 16 June 1995) is an Australian former professional Australian rules footballer and reality television contestant.^[1] He played two Australian Football League (AFL) matches for the St Kilda Football Club in 2018 after being selected by Collingwood with the tenth pick in the 2013 national draft and subsequently traded to St Kilda in 2015.^[2][3][4] Freeman gained further public recognition as a contestant on the eleventh season of Australian Survivor: Titans v Rebels in 2024, where he was a member of the Titans tribe before becoming the fifth person voted out on Day 14.^[5]

Early Life and Junior Career

Freeman grew up in Melbourne, Victoria, as the middle of three brothers—all of whom pursued football—with older brother Marcus and younger brother Mitchell also playing the sport at competitive levels.^[6] His father, David, was a schoolboy champion in the 100-metre hurdles and held a second dan black belt in kickboxing and karate.^[6] Freeman developed as an elite junior, representing the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup and Victoria Metropolitan at the AFL National Under-18 Championships, where he averaged 20 disposals per game despite playing through an ankle injury.^[1][6] At the 2013 AFL Draft Combine, he recorded the fourth-fastest 20-metre sprint time in history (2.82 seconds, placing second overall that year), won the repeat sprints test, and scored 14.10 on the beep test, highlighting his exceptional speed and endurance as a midfielder.^[1][6]

AFL Career

Drafted by Collingwood at pick 10 in the 2013 AFL national draft, Freeman stood at 182 cm and 85 kg, projected as a dynamic outside midfielder with explosive pace.^[1][7] However, recurrent hamstring injuries sidelined him almost immediately; he played no senior AFL games during his two seasons at the club and managed only four Victorian Football League (VFL) appearances in 2015.^[6][7] In October 2015, Freeman requested a trade and was acquired by St Kilda in exchange for the Saints' future second-round draft pick (used by Collingwood to select Kayle Kirby at No. 50 in 2016) and a swap of late third-round picks in the 2015 draft.^[3][8] Signed to a three-year contract, he continued to battle injuries at St Kilda, including a full year out in 2017 following hamstring surgery, but showed promise in VFL with the Sandringham Zebras, where he averaged high disposal counts and tackles in select games.^[6][9] Freeman made his long-awaited AFL debut in round 20 of the 2018 season against the Western Bulldogs at 23 years and 49 days old—1,718 days after being drafted—recording 19 disposals and one mark in a 35-point loss.^[2][10] He played his second and final AFL match the following week against Essendon, recording 14 disposals, five marks, and his sole career goal in a 43-point loss.^[2][10][11] Delisted by St Kilda at the end of the 2018 season alongside Hugh Goddard, Nathan Wright, and Ray Connellan, Freeman departed having played just two career games, delisted due to persistent injury concerns despite the club's support during his recovery.^[4][12]

Post-AFL Career

Following his delisting, Freeman continued playing semi-professionally, signing with the Frankston Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) for the 2019 season, where he contributed as a leader and served on the club's leadership group.^[13][14] In 2022, he joined the Adelaide Football Club's SANFL (South Australian National Football League) squad on a one-year deal, seeking a fresh start after injuries derailed his elite career; he cited the opportunity to work under coach Matthew Nicks as a key factor.^[15] Transitioning to off-field roles, Freeman became an accredited AFL player agent with the AFL Players' Association in 2018 and worked with Connors Sports Management, managing high-profile clients and providing reality checks on trade periods and contracts.^[16][17][18] By 2023, he had shifted focus to wellness entrepreneurship, co-founding The Breath Haus, Australia's first dedicated breathwork studio chain with locations in Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast, emphasizing science-backed mindfulness and nervous system regulation.^[19][20] Freeman has since shared insights on resilience and personal growth through podcasts and interviews, reflecting on his AFL setbacks and adaptation to new ventures.^[21]

Television Appearance

In 2024, Freeman competed on Australian Survivor: Titans v Rebels, the rebooted show's second season, as a member of the Titans tribe.^[5] His strategic gameplay faced challenges after early alliance issues on the Titans tribe, leading to his blindside elimination as the fifth voted out on Day 14.^[22] Freeman later described the experience as a "sinking ship," highlighting lessons in adaptability drawn from his injury-plagued football career.^[23]

Early life and education

Childhood and junior football

Nathan Freeman was born on 16 June 1995 in Melbourne, Australia.^[6] He grew up in Dingley as the middle child of three boys, with his father David having been a schoolboy champion in the 100m hurdles and a second dan black belt in kickboxing and karate.^[6] His older brother Marcus played in a Dingley premiership team, while his younger brother Mitchell competed for the Cheltenham club.^[6] From a young age, Freeman developed a passion for Australian rules football, often focusing on chasing the ball, running, and kicking goals during play.^[6] Freeman began his junior football career playing for the Cheltenham Panthers and Dingley Dingos in Melbourne's southern suburbs.^[6] In 2011, he suffered a fractured leg during a Vic Metro under-16s trial, which affected his early development.^[24] He later represented Haileybury College, the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup, and Vic Metro at the national level.^[6] Emerging as an elite junior talent, he was noted for his leadership, explosive speed, and class on the field, providing spark in contests and demonstrating strong ball-winning ability.^[6] In 2013, Freeman's prowess was highlighted at the AFL Draft Combine, where he finished second in the 20m sprint with a time of 2.82 seconds—one of the fastest ever recorded—and won the repeat sprints test while scoring 14.10 on the beep test.^[6] At the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships that year, he averaged 20 disposals per game for Vic Metro in his debut selection.^[6] Scouts recognized him as a top draft prospect, often comparing his clearance work and breakaway speed to that of Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield.^[25][26]

Education and early influences

Nathan Freeman completed his secondary education at Haileybury College, an independent school in Melbourne's Keysborough suburb.^[27][24] During his final year at Haileybury in 2013, Freeman balanced rigorous academic commitments with intensive football preparation, including training sessions leading up to the AFL draft, which cultivated his discipline and resilience from an early age.^[24][16] His time at the college coincided with notable success in junior football, where mentors in local clubs stressed the importance of mental toughness in complementing physical prowess.^[6]

Australian Football League career

Draft to Collingwood and early challenges

Nathan Freeman was selected by the Collingwood Football Club with pick 10 in the 2013 AFL National Draft, marking him as one of the top midfield prospects from the Sandringham Dragons in Victoria.^[1] At the time of his drafting, Freeman measured 182 cm in height and 85 kg in weight, with scouts highlighting his speed, endurance, and potential to contribute as a hard-running midfielder.^[1] His selection reflected high expectations for the 18-year-old, who brought leadership qualities from his junior career.^[7] Freeman's rookie season in 2014 was severely curtailed by injury, limiting him to no senior appearances as he grappled with the demands of professional football.^[28] Just 40 minutes into Collingwood's opening NAB Challenge match against Geelong in February, he suffered a significant hamstring tear—one of the most severe the club's medical staff had encountered—which required extensive rehabilitation and kept him out for the entire year.^[28] This setback not only halted his on-field development but also tested his physical conditioning as he worked to rebuild strength and prevent recurrence.^[7] Beyond the injury, Freeman faced broader challenges in adapting to the AFL's high-pressure environment at a premiership-contending club like Collingwood, where the midfield was particularly competitive.^[29] The Magpies' engine room boasted established stars such as Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, and Luke Ball, creating intense internal rivalry for game-time opportunities among young players.^[29] Freeman's transition was further complicated by the need to adjust his playing style to the faster, more tactical pace of elite competition, all while managing the psychological demands of unmet expectations as a first-round pick.^[6]

Trade to St Kilda and playing tenure

At the conclusion of the 2015 AFL trade period, Nathan Freeman was traded from Collingwood to St Kilda in exchange for the Saints' second-round draft pick in the 2016 national draft, along with a swap of late selections in the 2015 draft where St Kilda received pick 68 in return for their pick 63. Freeman, seeking a fresh start after limited opportunities at his original club, signed a three-year contract with St Kilda, bringing his speed and midfield potential to the team.^[3][30] Freeman's integration into St Kilda's lineup was gradual, with his development primarily occurring at VFL level through the club's affiliate, Sandringham. In 2017, he enjoyed his most consistent season to date, playing 13 games for Sandringham and averaging 22 disposals per match, which highlighted his growing reliability in the second tier.^[31] His AFL debut came in round 20 of the 2018 season against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, where he accumulated 19 disposals in a performance that demonstrated his ability to compete at the elite level after years on the sidelines. Freeman followed this up with one additional AFL appearance the next week against Essendon, where he kicked his sole career goal and added 14 disposals, contributing to a narrow victory. In total, he played two AFL games for St Kilda.^[2][32] As a versatile midfielder, Freeman excelled in contested situations, regularly winning clearances and contested possessions while using his dash to apply forward pressure and generate run-and-carry opportunities from the engine room. This style, evident from his junior days and carried into his professional tenure, allowed him to provide both inside grunt and outside speed, making him a dynamic option in rotations. Notable VFL performances during his St Kilda stint underscored his potential, including a standout 37-disposal, nine-tackle effort against Casey in 2018 that earned best-afield honors, and a 31-disposal outing with six tackles earlier that year against Frankston, where he displayed leadership in midfield battles. These efforts showcased the spark and class that had marked his earlier career highlights.^[33][9][34]

Injuries and delisting

Freeman's AFL career was severely hampered by recurrent hamstring injuries that began during his time at Collingwood in 2014, forcing him to miss the remainder of that season after a pre-season NAB Challenge game. These issues persisted after his trade to St Kilda in 2015, where he suffered a minor tear in his right hamstring during pre-season training, leading to extended rehabilitation.^[35] Over the following years, Freeman underwent multiple surgeries on his hamstrings, including procedures in 2015 and 2018, which resulted in prolonged absences and limited his ability to train consistently.^[36][37][16] The injuries culminated in Freeman missing the entire 2016 AFL season due to ongoing hamstring issues, though he made limited VFL appearances, including a 46-disposal performance in reserves.^[38][33] He finally made his AFL debut for St Kilda in Round 20 of 2018 against the Western Bulldogs, 1,718 days after being drafted in 2013, marking the end of a prolonged battle with fitness.^[39] Despite showing promise in the VFL with Sandringham, where he played 13 games in 2018—matching his previous year's total—Freeman managed only two senior AFL appearances that season before suffering another hamstring tear in February 2018, which required surgery.^[40][41] St Kilda delisted Freeman at the end of the 2018 season after four years on their list, during which he had played just two AFL games and approximately 22 VFL games amid persistent injury disruptions.^[4] He was delisted due to persistent injury concerns despite the club's support during his recovery.^[12]

Post-football endeavors

Transition to business and player management

Following his delisting from St Kilda at the end of the 2018 season, Nathan Freeman began transitioning away from playing professional Australian rules football, initially balancing VFL commitments with emerging off-field pursuits.^[4] He joined Connors Sports Management on a part-time basis shortly after, drawing on his firsthand experiences as a drafted player to enter the field of player agency.^[18] In 2021, Freeman was working as an agent at the firm, working alongside industry figures like Paul Connors to represent emerging AFL talents, including high draft picks such as Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.^[17] In his role, Freeman focused on guiding young athletes through the demands of professional sports, emphasizing practical financial advice such as budgeting and major purchases like homes or vehicles.^[18] He also provided counsel on the emotional aspects of career progression, leveraging his own journey of overcoming repeated soft tissue injuries to offer realistic perspectives on resilience and adaptation.^[21] This personal background, marked by years of rehabilitation and limited game time, informed his approach to helping players navigate uncertainties, including the potential end of their playing careers. Freeman's experiences with injury recovery fostered a growing interest in mental health and holistic wellness practices, which he incorporated into his advisory work on post-career planning.^[18] He advocated for proactive strategies to maintain well-being beyond the field, such as exploring alternative recovery methods, to prepare athletes for life after football. Freeman worked towards accreditation as an AFL player agent, achieving it after four years in the industry by 2023, and had established himself as a mentor for players from under-17 prospects to third-year professionals, prioritizing long-term career sustainability.^[18][27] Freeman left Connors Sports Management in September 2023 to focus on his entrepreneurial pursuits.^[27]

Founding The Breath Haus

In December 2022, Nathan Freeman co-founded The Breath Haus with Ella Pike, creating Australia's first studio exclusively dedicated to breathwork.^[19] The venture emerged from their shared passion for breathwork's potential, blending Freeman's background in high-performance sports with Pike's expertise in facilitation.^[42] As co-owner and CEO, Freeman has driven the studio's growth, emphasizing community and accessibility.^[19] The initial studio opened in Windsor, Melbourne, near Brighton, providing an immersive space for guided sessions.^[20] By 2024, the business expanded to include a location at Bondi Pavilion in Sydney, with additional sites in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast and other Melbourne areas like Richmond and Collingwood, allowing broader access to their programs.^[20] This growth reflects the rising demand for dedicated wellness spaces in urban centers.^[19] The Breath Haus operates on a model centered on science-backed breathwork classes, including guided breathing, meditation, and relaxation exercises designed to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and alleviate chronic pain.^[19] Sessions, available in studios, via app, or for corporate groups, promote nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and physical recovery, with customizable options like 90-minute corporate programs to enhance focus and team dynamics.^[43] Over 80,000 participants have engaged with these offerings, underscoring their impact on mental and physical health.^[20] Freeman's motivation for founding the studio stemmed from his personal use of breath techniques during recovery from debilitating hamstring injuries that prematurely ended his AFL career, helping him build resilience and regulate both physically and emotionally.^[19] As CEO, he actively promotes a growth mindset and curiosity, encouraging participants to explore breathwork's transformative effects beyond traditional wellness.^[19]

Media appearances

Australian Survivor: Titans v Rebels

Nathan Freeman competed in the eleventh season of Australian Survivor, titled Titans v Rebels, which was filmed from August 1 to September 16, 2023, in Upolu, Samoa, and aired on Network 10 from January 29 to March 19, 2024.^[44] As a member of the Titans tribe—comprising established contestants—he entered the game as a 28-year-old AFL player agent from Melbourne, aiming to leverage his competitive background from professional football.^[45][46] Freeman's strategy initially centered on prioritizing tribe strength by targeting perceived weaker players for elimination, such as pushing votes against Jessica during the first two tribal councils.^[45] This approach, however, quickly alienated him from the Titans' majority alliance, leading to an early collapse of his initial group within the first three days and forcing him to adapt by focusing on social connections and keeping multiple options open.^[45][47] Despite efforts to rebuild, including voting against Caroline in the pivotal tribal council, Freeman found himself increasingly isolated as the alliance emphasized loyalty over physical prowess.^[45] On Day 14, in Episode 6 titled "The Saboteur," Freeman became the fifth person voted out, finishing in 20th place overall, after receiving six votes in a split-vote scenario orchestrated by the majority.^[45][46] He later reflected on his exit as feeling like a "sinking ship," attributing it to the rapid unraveling of his early game plan and the need for a stronger social strategy from the outset.^[47] Freeman's participation on the show boosted his public profile, particularly for his breathwork business, The Breath Haus, with his personal Instagram account reaching 13,000 followers by early 2025, where he continues to promote the venture alongside references to his Survivor experience.^[48]

Other public engagements

Beyond his appearance on Australian Survivor: Titans v Rebels, which increased his public profile, Nathan Freeman has engaged in various media and speaking opportunities focused on his post-AFL experiences, wellness practices, and personal resilience. In 2024, Freeman appeared on the podcast Shaped with Trent Cotchin, hosted by former AFL player Trent Cotchin, where he discussed his resilience during his AFL career, the role of breathwork in overcoming challenges, and transitioning to life after professional sports.^[49] He emphasized how breathwork helped him manage mental and physical pressures from injuries and career setbacks, drawing from his time at Collingwood and St Kilda.^[50] Freeman also guested on the Behind the Mask podcast in July 2024, alongside co-founder Ella Pike, sharing stories of his career-ending injuries and the establishment of The Breath Haus as a pathway to wellness and community building.^[51] On the Never Too Late podcast in August 2024, he explored breathwork's benefits for mental health, detailing his shift from AFL player to entrepreneur and offering practical tips for listeners navigating life transitions.^[52] In addition to podcasts, Freeman took on a minor acting role as Shotfirer #4 in the Australian drama series Territory, which premiered in 2024 and explores themes of family and industry in the Northern Territory.^[53] This marked his first credited on-screen performance outside of reality television.^[54] Freeman has participated in promotional events for The Breath Haus, including leading a breathwork session titled "Big Exhale" at the Nightjar Festival, where he guided participants through transformative exercises to promote relaxation and emotional release.^[55] As an AFL alumnus, he has spoken on mental health at community events, such as a 2022 initiative with the Adelaide Crows in the SANFL, advocating for open conversations about seeking help, particularly among young men facing pressures in sports.^[56] These engagements highlight his commitment to using his platform for wellness education and support. In February 2025, Freeman featured in a video interview on the Shaped by Trent Cotchin channel, discussing passion, community building, and life after his AFL career, with a focus on his work at The Breath Haus.^[57] In May 2025, he announced a partnership between The Breath Haus and BFT International to support global community wellness through breathwork and recovery tools.^[58]

Personal life

Family and relationships

Nathan Freeman was raised in a supportive family environment in Melbourne, where his relatives played a key role in fostering his early interest in sports and physical activities. His family emphasized resilience and athletic pursuits from a young age, contributing to his development as a junior footballer.^[6] Freeman's father, David Freeman, was a schoolboy champion in the 100-metre hurdles and holds a second dan black belt in both kickboxing and karate; these achievements influenced Nathan's speed, toughness, and competitive drive.^[6] Limited details are publicly available about his mother, who is noted for her enthusiasm for the reality television series Survivor, which sparked the family's shared interest in the show and personal challenges.^[59] He has two brothers: an older sibling, Marcus, who competed in the Southern Football League with Dingley's premiership-winning team, and a younger brother, Mitchell, who played for the Cheltenham club.^[6] The family's close-knit dynamic was evident in decisions like prioritizing a holiday in the United States to celebrate his grandfather's 70th birthday over Nathan's participation in a Vic Metro under-18s match in 2012.^[6] Freeman keeps his romantic relationships private, with no confirmed public information on a partner or children as of 2025.

Interests and philanthropy

Freeman has cultivated a deep interest in mindfulness and breathwork following his AFL career, co-founding The Breath Haus in 2023 as CEO to promote holistic wellness practices that enhance mental clarity and emotional regulation.^[60][20] The studio offers immersive classes blending ancient breathing techniques with scientific principles, and has expanded to multiple locations including Bondi.^[61] In philanthropy, Freeman advocates for athlete mental health by sharing his personal experiences with repeated injuries and recovery, emphasizing resilience and positivity in an AFL Players' Association feature that highlights his unwavering mindset during setbacks.^[16] Drawing from his own challenges, including self-funded trips to Germany for hamstring treatments, he has supported teammates like Taylor Garner with recovery advice and specialist referrals, contributing to broader injury rehabilitation efforts within the sport.^[16] Through The Breath Haus, Freeman extends this advocacy via community events that foster wellness discussions and practices, attracting over 80,000 participants across Australia to sessions aimed at stress reduction and mental well-being.^[20] His interests also encompass yoga, integrated into the studio's mindfulness offerings, alongside travel—evident in his participation in global challenges like Australian Survivor—and hands-on pursuits such as building community networks in wellness.^[20][62]