By Gemma Grant, Jon Pierik and Steve Barrett
There has been an outpouring of grief for one of the AFL’s most famous families as tributes flow for former West Coast premiership player Adam Selwood, who died suddenly in Perth at the age of 41.
Selwood’s death is a second unbearable loss for the Selwood family – parents Maree and Bryce, and brothers Joel and Scott.
Adam Selwood was 41. Credit: Nine News
Adam’s twin brother, Troy, died in February.
The AFL released a statement on Saturday morning that confirmed Adam’s death.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Adam earlier today. Words cannot express the grief and sadness we feel,” Adam’s wife, Fiona, and the Selwood family said in the statement.
“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.
“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.”
Originally from Bendigo, Adam was drafted in 2002 and played 187 games for West Coast before his retirement in 2013.
He was a part of the Eagles’ famous 2006 premiership win over Sydney.
Adam Selwood (right) with the AFl Premiership Cup following West Coast’s 2006 win. Credit: The Age
His death has rocked the football community, with the Selwood family known and beloved across the AFL industry.
Troy played for the Brisbane Lions, and Joel is a former Geelong premiership captain who played in four flags for the Cats. Scott, who played for West Coast and Geelong, was due to be at the MCG on Saturday as an assistant to Collingwood coach Craig McRae, but was granted personal leave.
Last month, Adam said the recent death of his twin had inspired him to take part in a half-marathon, with a goal of raising money for zero2hero. The Western Australian charity aims to empower mental health leaders and prevent suicide across the state.
The HBF Run for a Reason is scheduled to take place on May 25.
“Troy and I loved running together growing up ... they were some of our real happy memories,” Adam told Nine, owner of this masthead, in April.
Joel (left), Adam and Scott Selwood farewell their brother, Troy, at GMHBA stadium.Credit: AFL Photos
“I’ve been able to put the runners back on and been able to connect with him each day by just being out doing something he loved, and we loved doing together.”
Adam also acknowledged that Troy had been fighting a long battle with mental health.
“He’d been working through his mental health for probably two decades at least and recognised relatively early on in his AFL career that he needed support,” Adam said in April.
“He left no stone unturned – there were things and reasons and challenges why his life was cut short, and I guess for myself and family that’s a lot for us to process.”
Tributes for Adam were led by West Coast premiership coach John Worsfold on Saturday.
Worsfold called him a great teammate, who loved the club and loved playing football.
“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,” Worsfold said in an Eagles statement.
“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.
“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.”
McRae broke down in tears on Saturday as he reflected on Adam’s death.
The Magpies opted not to inform the players of the reasons behind Scott’s absence before their clash with Adelaide – the news shared in a full-club meeting at the MCG after their 10-point win.
“We got the news this morning and it was horrible. We didn’t really know what to do, to be honest, other than to give it space to see where it sort of fits with all of us,” McRae said.
“It’s horrible. It’s such sadness, so we protected the players thinking that might have been the right thing. I don’t know if it was.”
With his voice tailing off and in tears, McRae added: “I just want to send my love to the Selwood family.”
Pies skipper Darcy Moore, who did not play on Saturday because of injury, said the players were shattered, and the coaches had shown remarkable resilience.
“It was an enormous job for them to have to take that on and then still take on news like that, and not really be able to process it, and then still have to perform their roles today, was extraordinary really,” Moore said.
“Really now it’s about processing it and sending all of our love and support to the Selwood family. It’s the most horrendous news imaginable.”
Cats coach Chris Scott conceded his side had struggled through their clash with the Power in Adelaide, saying Selwood’s passing was still too raw for him to delve into adequately.
“Not well,” Scott replied when asked how the Cats had coped. “We didn’t address it as a group.
“I think it’s one of those situations [that] I’m certainly not ready to speak about yet.
“I’d be surprised if they [the Selwoods] are as well. Apologies, it’s just a bit too raw.”
Adam Selwood and West Coast teammate Dean Cox in 2007.Credit: Sebastian Costanzo.
Port coach Ken Hinkley, who was an assistant at Geelong when they won the 2007 and 2009 flags, has a tight bond with Joel Selwood and said he was thinking of his family.
“Who can understand tragedy like that for that family?” he said.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
“I can’t even imagine how they’re feeling.
“All I can do is send our best.”
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said in a statement earlier in the day that the league would unite to support the Selwood family following Adam’s death, saying it was a “tremendous blow”.
(From left) Scott Selwood, father Bryce, Joel’s wife Brit, Joel, mother Maree, Troy and Adam after Joel announced his retirement.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“Adam was a premiership player and outstanding contributor to the game at the highest level … but first and foremost he was a young man who gave so much time and love to those around him,” Dillon said.
Paul Marsh, CEO of the AFL Players’ Association, said that Adam was “a man of enormous courage, spirit, and leadership” as well as a well-respected AFLPA board member during his career. The association will continue to offer free and confidential wellbeing support to all current and past player members and their partners.
Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson struggled to find the words to express his sadness when the news broke on Saturday.
“I don’t know what to say. It was a pleasure to work with Adam briefly,” Simpson said on SEN. “It breaks your heart.”
At Troy’s memorial service, Adam said writing the eulogy for his brother was the “hardest thing” he had ever had to do.
“Having an identical twin is both a rare privilege and wonderfully complex,” Adam told mourners at GMHBA Stadium. “A twin is more than a sibling, they are a constant presence, a built-in best mate and someone who understands you in a way that no one ever could.”
Former Geelong player Cameron Mooney, who won two premierships with Joel, fought back tears as he expressed his love for the Selwood family on Fox Footy on Saturday.
“It’s only a few months ago that we buried Troy,” an emotional Mooney said. “We are thinking of you guys, and we love you.”
WA police released a statement saying the death of a 41-year-old man in Herdsman was not being treated as suspicious, and a report would be prepared for the coroner.
Adam’s premiership teammate Adam Hunter died in the same week as Troy in February.
Hunter, who also played alongside Scott at the Eagles, was 43.
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. In the event of an emergency dial triple zero (000). Support is also available from MensLine on 1300 78 99 78