The football community gathered at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium on Friday to farewell former AFL star Troy Selwood, who passed away last week at the age of 40 after a long mental health struggle.
Troy played 75 games for the Brisbane Lions between 2003 and 2010, before becoming an assistant coach with Geelong where his brother Joel was a premiership-winning captain.
Friends, family, and former teammates – including a host of players from the Geelong Cats – joined together to remember the beloved husband, father, and footballer.
Adam Selwood, Troy’s twin brother, delivered a moving eulogy, sharing the unique bond they shared.
‘Having an identical twin is wonderful and complex,’ Adam said.
‘A twin is more than a sibling, they are a constant presence, a built-in best mate.’
Joel Selwood, Adam Selwood and Scott Selwood embrace during Troy Selwood’s requiem service at GMHBA Stadium
Thousands of loved ones and members of the AFL footy community attended.
Joel Selwood delivers his eulogy and speaks of his brother’s battles and courage
He told the attendees of their childhood filled with fearless competition and backyard battles.
‘Every game we played in our backyard was for sheep stations,’ Adam said. ‘If blood wasn’t spilt, it wasn’t played hard enough.’
Scott Selwood, who played for West Coast and Geelong, spoke of Troy’s unwavering support and encouragement throughout their lives.
‘You’ve got this Scotty, you’re going to be great,’ Scott recalled Troy saying whenever he faced challenges.
Joel Selwood, the youngest and most decorated of the four brothers, paid tribute to Troy’s ability to make people feel good and the values instilled in them by their parents.
‘Mum and Dad, you did an incredible job,’ Joel said.
‘Hey brother, just a quick one… I just want you to know how much you are loved and I want to thank you for everything.
‘Thanks for the support and the guidance over the years. I am sorry you had to struggle so hard, thanks for fighting as long as you did. I hope you’re in a good spot now. Love you brother, speak soon.’
Troy Selwood played 75 AFL games for the Brisbane Lions between 2003 and 2010
Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield and Scott Selwood embrace at the funeral service
Troy’s mother Maree Selwood is embraced at the service after the former Brisbane Lion died suddenly aged just 40
Troy Selwood’s passing has sparked calls for the AFL to establish a Mental Health Round to raise awareness and support for players struggling to adapt to life after football.
The AFL is open to exploring this possibility, recognising the importance of addressing mental health issues within the football community.
Former Carlton and Brisbane Lions star Brendan Fevola recently broke down on air during his radio show, calling for more mental health support for players after enduring his own struggles in his playing days.
‘We see it all the time that players have mental health problems, and I just feel like the AFL aren’t equipped … or doesn’t shine enough light on mental health for men,’ Fevola said.
‘It doesn’t get spoken about enough … when I was going through some problems, I never told anyone. I thought I was this big footy player, I earn a bit of money, and if I said something I thought people wouldn’t like me.’
AFL head of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch says a themed round to highlight mental health was ‘one of many suggestions we will continue to consider’, and could be incorporated with the annual game in memory of former St Kilda captain and popular broadcaster Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley.
‘We have Spud’s Game, which is a really important game and extremely well supported and something that St Kilda holds… I am sure we will continue to build on that,’ Hosch said.
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
