Adam Selwood: West Coast leads tributes after premiership player’s death at age of 41

The AFL world is mourning the death of West Coast premiership player Adam Selwood at the age of 41. Read the club and personal tributes here.

The AFL world is mourning the death of West Coast premiership player Adam Selwood.

Adam Selwood is being remembered as an “outstanding person” by the football world after his shocking sudden death on Saturday.

The 2006 premiership Eagle passed suddenly in Western Australia, just months after his twin brother Troy’s death in February.

Adam Selwood.

Selwood squares up to Barry Hall during a game.

Selwood’s premiership coach John Worsfold said he and the footy community were in mourning.

“Adam was a great teammate who loved the club, loved his footy,” he said.

“He always put his mates and team first, and he would be saying that now.

“We drafted him at 18 and watched him grow as a player and person. We got to know the Selwood family so well over the years, and they are such wonderful people who our hearts go out to more than anything today.

Selwood played in West Coast’s 2006 premiership.

Adam Selwood and his family.

“As a player, Adam was the ultimate team man. He played whatever role was required. He gave it 100 per cent and connected with everyone he was involved with.

“He’s had a massive impact on our footy club as a player, coach and staff member.”

Selwood played 187 games for the Eagles, winning a flag while also representing Australia in the International Rules Series.

Once he retired, Selwood moved into coaching at the Eagles, taking on a development coaching role and then becoming the inaugural head of female football as the club launched its AFLW program.

Selwood with his younger brother Joel before a match.

West Coast chief executive Don Pyke said he had a “significant impact” on the club.

“He had a significant impact on our football club across 18 years, which included working in our community and game development department and setting up our AFLW program, something he was incredibly proud of and will be a lasting legacy,” he said.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon also paid tribute to Selwood and his family.

“Adam was a dearly loved son, brother, husband and father and his loss is a tremendous blow for all who loved him,” Dillon said.

“On behalf of the AFL and all of our clubs, I want to send our love to his wife Fiona and their two children, to Maree and Bryce Selwood, Joel and Scott, and their families, and all of Adam’s many friends and colleagues and past teammates at West Coast and across football.

“Adam was a premiership player and outstanding contributor to the game at the highest level, and then latterly continued to work in the game in coaching and other roles, but first and foremost he was a young man who gave so much time and love to those around him.”

AFLPA chief executive Paul Marsh said the association was “shattered” by Selwood’s death.

“The Selwoods are a much loved and admired family and Adam was a man of enormous courage, spirit, and leadership – qualities that are universally admired,” he said.

“Adam was an AFLPA Delegate and then a Board member during his playing career and his impact on the AFLPA and our members will live on and his loss will be felt by so many.”

Adam Selwood delivered the eulogy at his brother Troy’s funeral only a few months ago.

Geelong, where Adam’s brother Joel played, released a statement on Saturday.

“The Geelong Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Adam Selwood,” Geelong’s statement read.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Fiona, children Lenny and Billie, brothers Joel and Scott and parents Maree and Bryce, our thoughts are with you at this time.”

Adam’s brother Scott Selwood is currently coaching at Collingwood, which also put out a statement.

“On behalf of everyone at Collingwood, we extend our deepest condolences to the Selwood family following the passing of Adam,” the club released in a statement.

“We send strength & all of our love to Adam’s parents Maree & Bryce, his brothers Scott & Joel, his wife Fiona & their children Lenny & Billie.”

Geelong premiership forward Cam Mooney, who played alongside Joel Selwood during his time at the Cats, almost broke down on Fox Footy’s broadcast of the Collingwood and Adelaide clash.

“It’s a family I’ve known for nearly 20 years and a family that I’ve grown very fond of over the years and loved,” he said on Fox Footy’s broadcast.

“So to hear the news this morning, absolutely tragic... it was only three months ago that we buried Troy.

“Obviously want to send all my condolences and love to a family that I absolutely love and adore, and to a teammate that I got to play alongside with in a couple of premierships and just let everyone know that we’re all thinking of you guys and that we love you and all the best.”

Originally published as Adam Selwood: West Coast leads tributes after premiership player’s death at age of 41