Tragic double loss: AFL loses two star players months apart
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Disclaimer: This article tackles sensitive topics such as suicide and mental health. Reader discretion is advised.
The Australian football community has been dealing with heartbreaking news, one after another.
This time, former West Coast Eagles premiership player Adam Selwood has passed away. He was 41 years old.
His passing sent shockwaves through the AFL community and left friends and family searching for comfort.
The Selwood name is synonymous with Australian Rules Football.
Adam and his twin brother, Troy, have all made their mark on the AFL.
The twins earned a reputation as one of the sport’s most iconic dynasties.
Adam played 187 games for the West Coast Eagles between 2002 and 2013, cementing his legacy as a key part of the club’s 2006 premiership-winning side.
Troy, meanwhile, played for the Brisbane Lions.
Their other siblings, Joel and Scott, have also enjoyed celebrated careers in the AFL.
Yet, behind the on-field glory, the Selwoods have faced unimaginable heartbreak.
Adam Selwood’s passing followed months after the tragic passing of his twin brother.
Last February, Troy Selwood died by suicide—a loss that devastated their family and the football community.
Adam was among those who delivered a moving eulogy at his funeral at Kardinia Park.
Weeks after his twin’s passing, Adam participated in the HBF Run for a Reason in Perth, which aimed to raise funds for suicide prevention.
The circumstances of Adam’s passing have not been made public, and the family asked for privacy as they grieve the loss.
‘Adam was a loving husband and an incredible father to Lenny and Billie,’ the Selwood family wrote in a statement.
‘We are devastated to lose such a wonderful husband, father, son and brother.’
‘We will miss Adam deeply—his spirit, his kindness, and the joy he brought to every room,’ the statement further wrote.
Adam Selwood’s impact extended far beyond his playing days.
He remained a vital part of the West Coast Eagles after his playing career.
He became a development coach for the team and later became the head of the team’s female football team.
He was known for his leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the game and his teammates.
The West Coast Eagles described Adam as ‘the ultimate team man’ who always put others first.
‘He played whatever role was required. He gave it 100 per cent and connected with everyone he was involved with,’ John Worsfold, the club’s head of football and Adam’s former coach, stated.
Footy on Nine paid tribute to Selwood, along with other former AFL star Robert Walls, in the Sunday Footy Show. Watch here:
Source: Footy on Nine/YouTube
The West Coast Eagles are scheduled to pay tribute to Adam Selwood at their next home game at Optus Stadium, giving fans and teammates a chance to celebrate his life and legacy.
The AFL community also rallied around the Selwoods, with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon urging everyone to check in on friends and loved ones.
‘Adam was a dearly loved son, brother, husband and father, and his loss is a tremendous blow for all who loved him,’ Dillon stated.
The AFL Players’ Association also reiterated its commitment to providing confidential well-being support to all current and former players, as well as their families.
The double tragedy sparked important conversations about mental health, grief, and the pressure professional athletes often face.
May both Adam and Troy Selwood rest in peace.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that help is available. Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), and other support services are there to listen.
The Australian football community has been dealing with heartbreaking news, one after another.
This time, former West Coast Eagles premiership player Adam Selwood has passed away. He was 41 years old.
His passing sent shockwaves through the AFL community and left friends and family searching for comfort.
The Selwood name is synonymous with Australian Rules Football.
Adam and his twin brother, Troy, have all made their mark on the AFL.
The twins earned a reputation as one of the sport’s most iconic dynasties.
Adam Selwood was dubbed as one of the 'golden boys' of the football community. Image Credit: SEN
Adam played 187 games for the West Coast Eagles between 2002 and 2013, cementing his legacy as a key part of the club’s 2006 premiership-winning side.
Troy, meanwhile, played for the Brisbane Lions.
Their other siblings, Joel and Scott, have also enjoyed celebrated careers in the AFL.
Yet, behind the on-field glory, the Selwoods have faced unimaginable heartbreak.
Adam Selwood’s passing followed months after the tragic passing of his twin brother.
Last February, Troy Selwood died by suicide—a loss that devastated their family and the football community.
Adam was among those who delivered a moving eulogy at his funeral at Kardinia Park.
Weeks after his twin’s passing, Adam participated in the HBF Run for a Reason in Perth, which aimed to raise funds for suicide prevention.
The circumstances of Adam’s passing have not been made public, and the family asked for privacy as they grieve the loss.
‘Adam was a loving husband and an incredible father to Lenny and Billie,’ the Selwood family wrote in a statement.
‘We are devastated to lose such a wonderful husband, father, son and brother.’
‘We will miss Adam deeply—his spirit, his kindness, and the joy he brought to every room,’ the statement further wrote.
Adam Selwood’s impact extended far beyond his playing days.
He remained a vital part of the West Coast Eagles after his playing career.
He became a development coach for the team and later became the head of the team’s female football team.
He was known for his leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the game and his teammates.
The West Coast Eagles described Adam as ‘the ultimate team man’ who always put others first.
‘He played whatever role was required. He gave it 100 per cent and connected with everyone he was involved with,’ John Worsfold, the club’s head of football and Adam’s former coach, stated.
Footy on Nine paid tribute to Selwood, along with other former AFL star Robert Walls, in the Sunday Footy Show. Watch here:
Source: Footy on Nine/YouTube
The West Coast Eagles are scheduled to pay tribute to Adam Selwood at their next home game at Optus Stadium, giving fans and teammates a chance to celebrate his life and legacy.
The AFL community also rallied around the Selwoods, with AFL CEO Andrew Dillon urging everyone to check in on friends and loved ones.
‘Adam was a dearly loved son, brother, husband and father, and his loss is a tremendous blow for all who loved him,’ Dillon stated.
The AFL Players’ Association also reiterated its commitment to providing confidential well-being support to all current and former players, as well as their families.
The double tragedy sparked important conversations about mental health, grief, and the pressure professional athletes often face.
May both Adam and Troy Selwood rest in peace.
