Selwood family rocked by second brother’s shock death

The AFL has been rocked once again by the news one of the game’s famous families has lost a second member in a matter of months.

The AFL has confirmed the tragic news former player Adam Selwood has died at age 41.

One of four Selwood brothers to play in the AFL, Selwood played 187 games for West Coast.

He was part of the Eagles’ premiership side that defeated the Sydney Swans in a classic grand final in 2006.

His wife Fiona Selwood said in a statement via the AFL: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Adam earlier today. Words cannot express the grief and sadness we feel.

“Adam was a loving husband, and an incredible father to Lenny and Billie. We are devastated to lose such a wonderful husband, father, son and brother.

Former AFL player Adam Selwood has died. Photo: Facebook

Adam Selwood won the 2006 premiership with West Coast.

“We will miss Adam deeply — his spirit, his kindness, and the joy he brought to every room. “His determination, the lessons he shared, and his infectious personality will stay with us always. Adam had a unique ability to make people feel special, and our family was lucky to experience that every day.

“We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult time.”

Brother relieved of coaching duties

All four Selwood brothers — Adam, Troy, Scott and Joel — played football at the highest level.

The youngest Selwood brother, Scott, was granted personal leave and relieved of his duties as Collingwood’s forwards coach ahead of the Magpies’ game against Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

“On behalf of everyone at Collingwood, we extend our deepest condolences to the Selwood family following the passing of Adam,” the Magpies said.

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

The shattering news comes just months after Adam’s twin brother Troy died in February.

Adam, Scott, Joel and Troy Selwood at the 2011 AFL Grand Final.

Troy’s body was found at a Geelong home.

At a memorial service at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium, Adam led the tributes for his twin brother, describing Troy as “full of life, full of love, full of wisdom beyond his years”.

“Having an identical twin is a both a rare privilege and wonderfully complex,” he said.

“A twin is more than a sibling. They are a constant presence, a built-in mate.

“He was my mirror, my fiercest competitor, my greatest ally and the one person who knew what I was always thinking.”

Adam posted on his LinkedIn last month, calling for help fundraising for a charity “committed to educating, engaging, and empowering young people to become mental health leaders and help prevent youth suicide”.

“Following the heartbreaking loss of my twin brother to suicide, I have made the decision to take on the HBF Health Run for a Reason Half Marathon. My goal is to raise $10,000 in support of zero2hero,” he wrote.

“This cause is deeply personal to me, and this run marks an important step in my own healing journey, as well as an ongoing commitment to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention across the country.

“Your support would mean the world to me. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of young Western Australians and is deeply appreciated by myself, my family, and the zero2hero community.”

He was set to run the half marathon next Sunday, having raised more than $21,000.

AFL world pays tribute to Adam Selwood

Tributes quickly began flowing for Adam Selwood, with fans and commentators in disbelief at his passing.

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

“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 delivers his eulogy as Scott and Joel look on during Troy Selwood’s funeral service. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

“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.”

West Coast’s head of football John Worsfold, who coached the 2006 premiership, said: “Adam was a great teammate who loved the club, loved his footy.

“He always put his mates and team first, and he would be saying that now. He would be wanting to see our Club grow and return to having on-field success once again.

“We drafted him at 18 and watched him grow as a player and person.

The Selwood brothers: Joel, Troy, Adam and Scott after the 2006 grand final.

Joel Selwood, Adam Selwood and Scott Selwood during Troy Selwood’s funeral service. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“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.

“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.”

In a statement, the Geelong Football Club said it “is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Adam Selwood”.

“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.”

Seven AFL reporter Ryan Daniels posted on X: “Don’t have the words to write about Adam Selwood. Heartbreaking. 3 months after his twin, his best mate, Troy. Awful, awful.

The ABC’s Quentin Hull said it was “inexplicable” both Adam and Troy had died within months of each other.

Footy reporter Tom Morris said it was “just horrific news”.

Former Eagles coach Adam Simpson said on SEN: “I don’t know what to say. It was a pleasure to work with Adam briefly. It breaks your heart.”