Heartache as Anna Green laid to rest before family and friends

A devastated Brad Green shared happy memories at the funeral of his wife Anna, as he urged mourners to honour her by never forgetting her adventurous and kind soul.

Brad Green and his sons walk behind the hearse carrying his wife after leaving the MCG. Picture: Tony Gough

A tearful Brad Green paid tribute to his “darling” wife Anna Green, as she was laid to rest on Thursday.

Hundreds of family, friends and football identities packed the Members Dining Room at the MCG to pay their respects, with guests including former AFL coach Mick Malthouse, AFL great Neale Daniher, and current Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin.

Anna and Brad Green. Picture: Instagram

The wife of former Melbourne captain Brad Green, 40-year-old fashion blogger Anna, passed away last week.

Brad, who played 254 games for Melbourne before retiring in 2012, fought back tears as he spoke of Anna’s joyous personality and love for their two sons.

“Anna loved her friendships, she was inspired by people, she was always thinking of others, and most of all she was the most loving mother, daughter, wife and friend,” he said.

“Our lives are changed forever, but you will live long in our memories.”

Brad told stories from his and Anna’s courtship, and joked Anna would have found the location of her funeral amusing.

“I can hear Anna say these words now: ‘Brad, why is my funeral service at the bloody football ground? Again, football has taken over my life,’” he said.

“I would have said: ‘Well, my darling, we needed to find a venue big enough for your family and beautiful friends to come along.’”

Anna’s sister Paula Lodge tearfully spoke about growing up in Tasmania, where a young Anna went camping and ­enjoyed the great outdoors.

“She was the best of the best,” she said. “We are heartbroken.”

Neale Daniher and his wife Jan attend the funeral. Picture: Tony Gough

Melbourne’s Max Gawn attends the service at the MCG. Picture: Tony Gough

Brad Green with his sons, Oliver, 9, and Wilba, 7, and his parents, Helen and Rod. Picture: Tony Gough

Friends Kate Arnott and Carmen Finch remembered their mate as adventurous and wise.

After the service, guests formed a guard of honour as the hearse carrying Anna left the MCG.

Brad Green held the hands of his sons, Oliver, 9, and Wilba, 7, as they walked ­behind the hearse with heartbroken family members.

Those in the guard of ­honour included current Melbourne footballers Max Gawn and Nathan Jones, comedian Tommy Little and North ­Melbourne assistant coach Darren Crocker.

Brad paid tribute to Anna in a post on Instagram earlier this week.

“Goodbye may seem forever,” the post said.

“Farewell is like the end, but in my heart is the memory and there you will always be.”

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