‘Heartbroken’: Selwood brother dead at age 40, body found in home
The family of former AFL player and coach Troy Selwood has announced the tragic news the former Brisbane Lions star has died.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The family of Troy Selwood has announced the former Brisbane Lions star has died at the age of 40.
He was a member of the famous Selwood family with all four brothers playing football at the highest level.
CODE Sports first reported Selwood’s body was found at a Geelong home on Tuesday.
The former Geelong VFL captain had two children, Tom and Sadie.
The AFL released a statement on behalf of the family on Tuesday afternoon.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and father, Troy this morning. We will miss Troy more than words can express,” the family said.
“We will miss Troy more than words can express,” the family statement read.
“Troy was a much loved and loving member of our family. Over the course of his life, Troy bought joy and light to all who knew him. He was a loving son of Maree and Bryce, a supportive and caring brother to Adam, Joel and Scott, and a doting father of beautiful children Tom and Sadie.”
It has been a day of tragedy across the Australian football community with Essendon VFL senior coach Dale Tapping also dying at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer.
The Selwood family went on to say: “We will miss Troy’s bravery, his humour, his deep thinking, his love and compassion.
“Troy had a generosity of spirit, cared deeply about people and strove to make the lives of others better.
“We are grateful to all those that have supported Troy throughout his life, and we know that his many friends, teammates and colleagues will miss him greatly.
“Troy achieved many great things in his life. From his time as a young man and student, to his journey as an AFL player, to working in recruiting young players to help live their AFL dreams to his latest passion and adventure at Geelong Grammar School, Troy was able to influence and touch the lives of so many people.
“We know many people will reach out and share their stories of Troy, and we thank you for your love and support.
“The family asks for privacy and respect during this time as we process our devastating loss.”
His twin brother Adam featured West Coast’s 2006 premiership.
Younger brothers Joel and Scott played for Geelong.
Joel retired at the end of the 2022 season as one of the greatest champions the sport has known in recent years.
The tragic news has rocked the football world.
Troy Selwood retired from his playing career in 2013 before moving into coaching.
He stepped away from his role on Geelong’s coaching staff in 2021.
He was still working in a role as head of football for the prestigious Victorian Grammar school.
According to Code, his body was found in the Geelong suburb of Highton.
The Cats released a statement after the AFL first confirmed the tragic news.
Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking said the football club “is deeply saddened”.
Hocking said in the statement: “We are extremely saddened to learn of Troy’s passing.
“The news today has had a deep impact on many current and former players and staff.
“Troy had a great spirit and energy and was someone who always cared about others. He had a passion for working with young people and helping them achieve their dreams of playing elite football.
“On behalf of the Geelong Football Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to Troy’s family, children and friends.”
Selwood was selected by the Brisbane Lions with pick No. 19 in the 2002 AFL Draft.
He played 75 games for the club before he was de-listed in 2010.
Greats of Australian football have taken to social media to share their tributes.
Collingwood legend Tony Shaw wrote on X: “Bloody sad day for AFL fraternity with the passing of Troy Selwood and Dale Tapping. RIP.”
Former ABC football commentator Glenn Mitchell wrote: “Truly horrible to hear of the passing of Troy Selwood.
“Thoughts with his family and all those that knew him through football and beyond. A extremely sad day.“
Originally published as ‘Heartbroken’: Selwood brother dead at age 40, body found in home
Footy world mourns sudden death of Troy Selwood
A shocked AFL community is in mourning after the passing of former Brisbane Lion Troy Selwood, brother of Cats legend Joel, who died on Tuesday, aged 40.
Hok track watch: Old rookie and 203cm tall take control of attack
The only area of concern on the injury front for the healthy Hawks is in the forward half — but two keys look set to step up and fill the void nicely. See more in track watch.