AFL world rallies around Melbourne champion Brad Green after tragic death of wife Anna

The sudden death of lifestyle blogger and young mum Anna Green, wife of former Melbourne captain Brad Green, has seen the AFL community rally as many try to come to terms with the tragedy.

Anna and Brad Green at the 2011 Brownlow Medal.

Footy greats have rallied around former Melbourne captain Brad Green following the tragic death of his wife, Anna.

Tributes to the mother of two boys, a fashion entrepreneur and lifestyle blogger, flowed yesterday as news spread of her ­sudden death as a result of a cardiac arrest.

Green, who captained the Demons in 2011 and played 254 AFL games, posted an Instagram tribute to his 40-year-old wife, saying: “Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end. It ­simply means, I’ll miss you until we meet again. Rest easy my darling. #xxx3boys.”

AFL legend Neale Daniher, who coached Green, yesterday promised his “tight-knit group” would “get around him’’.

Green’s best friend, former Dees teammate Cameron Bruce, said: “So many people are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy’’.

Anna, a flight attendant turned fashion executive, died on Monday. She underwent eye surgery about three weeks ago.

Her death is expected to be referred to the coroner, as are all unexpected deaths during or following a medical ­procedure.

Anna and Brad Green at home.

Anna Green leaves behind two sons. Picture: Instagram

Anna and Brad Green at the 2010 Melbourne best and fairest.

The couple at the Brownlow.

Mrs Green leaves behind sons Oliver, 9, and Wilba, 7.

Daniher said yesterday: “Everyone close with Anna and Brad are devastated, not only for Brad, but their direct families and their boys. They were a really popular couple and maintained friendships with a lot of the team and partners through 2000 to now.

“I’ve been in contact with all his close teammates and we are looking forward to wrapping our arms around him to help him though this really tough period.’’

Bruce, now a Carlton assistant coach, said: “It’s hard to comprehend how this could ­happen to someone like Anna — a 40-year-old fit, healthy and happy mum.

“Having spent such quality family time with both Anna and Brad, and their boys and parents, their pain is unimaginable right now.”

“Brad and Anna have such a tight-knit group of family and friends who have been getting together in recent days to help remember Anna in the right way and that has helped us honour her legacy and deal with the grief.

“There are so many people struggling to come to terms with the tragedy that has unfolded over the past week.

Ms Green worked in the fashion industry and was mum to two boys. Picture: Instagram

Her passing has left those who knew her in shock. Picture: Instagram

“The one thing that has come out of this unspeakable sadness are the smiles and laughs from remembering all of the wonderful experiences we have shared together over the years as our families have grown together during and after our playing careers.

“It’s important for us all to remember Anna in the way she was in our lives.

“While it was her heart that gave way this week, ironically it was her heart she was most admired for. She was generous, kind and thoughtful. She was a devoted wife and the bees knees to her doting sons.

“It is during difficult times like this that family becomes so important and my own family will always be there for Brad, his boys and the families.”

Ms Green’s passing has stunned family and friends, with many expressing their grief and love for her on Instagram.

Friend Kate Arnott wrote: “Sweet dreams my beautiful girl. I love you.”

Jerri Jones, wife of current Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones, posted: “Terribly heartbroken. Rest easy beautiful Anna. She’ll have a place in my heart forever.”

Melbourne red carpet designers J’Aton Couture posted: “Our Divine Anna (our Audrey) words cannot describe how incredible Anna is, she will always be with us … Till we all reunite with our beautiful sister Audrey in our hearts forever J&Axx”

Jessica McNamee wrote: “She has always been an Angel. I’m truly speechless.”

“The family would like to thank the committed medical team at the intensive care unit at The Alfred hospital.”

The Demons said: “All at Melbourne Football Club are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Anna Green.’’

Green was a star Melbourne player in a 13-year career ­before retiring in 2012 to take assistant coaching roles with North Melbourne and Carlton.

Friends have paid tribute to Anna’s caring nature and beautiful soul.

FRIENDS PAY TRIBUTE TO ANNA

Anna Green has been remembered as an amazing woman, taken too soon.

The lifestyle blogger and fashion entrepreneur described herself as a “lover of sunshine, palm trees, yoga, beaches, travel, summer, sunsets, cocktails, style” on Instagram.

Friends from the footy and fashion worlds yesterday remembered Brad Green’s wife as generous, kind and thoughtful.

“It’s just shocking,’’ former Demons teammate David Schwarz said.

“She’s just a baby and has two little bubbies. It is horrible. I was told on Sunday and it blew me away.’’

Dees co-captain Nathan Jones said: “Gone way too soon. A beautiful angel.’’

Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn said he was “heartbroken” for her husband and their boys.

Former Demons and Fremantle ruckman Jeff White also sent his support to his ex-teammate.

“Love ya mate. My heart hurts so much for you and the boys right now,’’ he said. “Gone too soon”.

Trisha Squires, who endured her own heartache when then husband and Demon Troy Broadbridge was killed in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, described Ms Green as an “amazing woman”.

Friend Kate Arnott wrote: “Sweet dreams my beautiful girl. I love you.”

AFL star Brad Green married Anna Lodge in Brighton in the summer of 2013. Green has previously how he was “so proud of my entrepreneurial wife’’ for founding fashion brand Wilo Green.

ANNA BYRNE: ANNA’S SMILE WON’T EVER BE FORGOTTEN

The couple met as children in Tasmania, where they grew up in towns five minutes apart. “Our families are friends, so we always kind of knew each other,’’ Green said in an interview soon before their wedding.

“But we didn’t really get together until we bumped into each other in Melbourne about six years ago. Yes, our families are very happy that we have (each) met a local.”