Source :- THE AGE NEWS
The AFL world is in shock following the sudden death of former West Coast player Adam Selwood, aged 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 on behalf of the Selwood family 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 played 187 games for West Coast from his draft in 2003 until his retirement 10 years later.
He was a part of the Eagles’ 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. The Selwood family has touched many AFL clubs.
Joel is a four-time premiership player for Geelong. Scott Selwood, 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.
The Cats are scheduled to play Port Adelaide in Adelaide on Saturday afternoon.
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.
Joel (left), Adam and Scott Selwood farewell their brother, Troy, at GMHBA stadium.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
“Troy and I loved running together growing up … they were some of our real happy memories,” Adam told this masthead in April.
“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.
Adam Selwood and West Coast teammate Dean Cox in 2007.Credit: Sebastian Costanzo.
“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.”
West Coast premiership coach John Worsfold paid tribute to Adam in a statement released by the Eagles.
“Adam was a great teammate who loved the club, loved his footy,” Worsfold said.
“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. 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.”
Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson also paid tribute to Adam Selwood when news of his death broke on Saturday.
“I don’t know what to say. It was a pleasure to work with Adam briefly,” Simpson said on SEN radio.
“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.”
Adam Selwood’s premiership teammate Adam Hunter died in the same week as Troy Selwood in February.
Hunter, who also played alongside Scott Selwood with the Eagles, was 43.
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