Geelong Grammar ‘deeply saddened’ over Troy Selwood death

Geelong Grammar principal Rebecca Cody says the school’s focus “will be to support our community to navigate this difficult time” following the death of its head of football.

Troy Selwood in action during Geelong’s 2012 VFL premiership victory over Port Melbourne.

The Geelong community is in mourning after the sudden death of Troy Selwood on Tuesday morning.

Selwood, who died at the age of 40, played the entirety of his 75-game AFL career at Brisbane, but also made a significant contribution to Geelong Football Club across more than a decade

Selwood, the brother of Geelong legend Joel, joined Geelong as a VFL player in 2011 before moving into various off-field roles at the club including football operations, academy manager and talent ID manager.

He joined Geelong Grammar in October 2021 as its head of football and sports performance mentor, playing an integral part in the school’s sports program.

Selwood was an important mentor for Richmond’s 2024 number one pick and Geelong Grammar alumnus Sam Lalor and helped several other students get drafted, including Geelong Falcons graduate Xavier Ivisic.

Geelong Grammar principal Rebecca Cody spoke to Selwood’s parents and Joel on Tuesday morning, who were eager to share how much Troy cherished his work at the school.

“The school is deeply saddened to confirm our highly regarded colleague Troy Selwood tragically passed away this morning,” Ms Cody said in a statement to parents.

“Troy has been our football and sports performance mentor since October 2021 and has played a significant role in our school community, supporting and guiding our students, colleagues and families.

“On behalf of the Geelong Grammar School community, we send our sincere condolences to Troy’s family, particularly his parents, brothers, and his two children, who we hold in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

“Our focus will be to support our community to navigate this difficult time, wrapping them in our light blue through the provision of expert psychological support services and pastoral care.”

Geelong Grammar in Corio. Picture: Supplied.

Geelong Grammar also lost their football physiotherapist Travis McCombe in November, whose two sons Finn and Marley attended the school.

Cats defender Jed Bews, who played alongside then-captain Selwood in a VFL premiership in 2012, said on Tuesday afternoon that the club will throw their support behind the Selwood family.

“We only found out an hour or so ago so it is still pretty raw,” Bews said.

“It is a tough time, firstly for the family and close friends but also the footy club second.

“We are just going to wrap our arms around the Selwoods and just do whatever we can to support them because it is a tough time.”

Selwood was also thrilled with the drafting of AFLW player Lou-Lou Field to Carlton last year after her strong progress playing at Geelong Grammar.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to support Lou through her VCE and sporting endeavours over recent years,” Selwood said on X in December.

Originally published as Geelong Grammar ‘deeply saddened’ over Troy Selwood death