‘Be kind to each other’: Inside the letter AFL great Robert Walls wrote before his death, read at MCG funeral

Before his death, Carlton legend Robert Walls wrote a letter to be read at his funeral. Today, it was shared with hundreds of mourners at the MCG.

A procession of football greats have gathered at the MCG to mourn Carlton legend Robert Walls. Picture: Getty

A pre-written letter from late footy great Robert Walls was read to a memorial service celebrating his life at the MCG, visibly moving a huge turnout of friends, family and AFL legends who came to pay their respects.

Walls wrote about the “fortunate” life he led with his family and career.

“The most fortunate thing in my life was meeting and marrying Erin – we raised three beautiful kids: Rebecca, David and Daniel who have become just very good, kind, respectful, decent people,” the letter said.

“My adult kids are my best friends.

“Erin and I shared over 30 years together. She was always my strong, loyal support, and a devoted mum.”

In the letter Walls said that “fortune shone” on him again when he met partner Julie, who he met after Erin, and with whom he shared “wonderful memories”.

“Enough from me, goodbye, best wishes and be kind to each other,” the letter finished.

David Rhys-Jones. Picture: Michael Klein

Percy Jones (right) . Picture: Michael Klein

Ian Aitken . Picture: Michael Klein

Tony Shaw. Picture: Getty

Brad Lloyd. Picture: Getty

Stephen Kernahan seen during Robert Walls Funeral Service. Picture: Getty

Michael McLean seen during Robert Walls Funeral Service. Picture: Getty

The program is seen during Robert Walls Funeral Service. Picture: Getty

David Barham seen during Robert Walls Funeral Service. Picture: Getty

The enormous crowd packed the MCG’s Member’s Dining Room and the 600-seat service was MC’d by former MCC and Carlton chief Stephen Gough who also gave a speech, as did Walls’ sister Annette Coonan, daughter Rebecca and sons David and Daniel.

Walls’ historic decision to play David Rhys-Jones against Dermott Brererton in the 1987 Grand Final was remembered as a significant career highlight.

Other speakers from Walls’ football career were Fitzroy best and fairest winner Scott Clayton, Essendon president David Barnham who helped start Walls’ media career, and Footscray and Brisbane player Michael “Magic” McLean.

Walls was remembered as a “big softie” behind his hardman image by his daughter.

Nathan Buckley, who was first coached by Walls, was also in the crowd.

Paul Broderick. Picture: Getty

Syd Jackson. Picture: Getty

Guy McKenna (left) and David Parkin. Picture: Getty

Nathan Buckley is seen during Robert Walls Funeral Service. Picture: Getty

Mike Sheahan arrives. Picture: Getty

Carlton coach Michael Voss . Picture: Michael Klein

Mick Malthouse and wife Nanette . Picture: Michael Klein

In attendance were 1986 Carlton captain Mark Maclure, and captain of Carlton’s team of the century Stephen Kernahan.

Carlton coach Michael Voss also came to pay his respects, league boss Andrew Dillon, and Laura Kane, the league’s general manager of football.

Carlton great Bruce Doull, Brisbane legend Marcus Ashcroft and Swans recruiting manager Kinnear Beatson were all seen walking through gate 2 of the arena.

David Rhys-Jones and Adrian Gleeson who played under Robert Walls in the legendary 1987 Grand Final have also shown up to pay their respects.

Originally published as ‘Be kind to each other’: Inside the letter AFL great Robert Walls wrote before his death, read at MCG funeral