Source : ABC NEWS
Former West Coast Eagles premiership player Adam Selwood has died aged 41.
He played 187 games for West Coast from 2002 to 2013, and was part of the club’s 2006 successful premiership campaign.
No details have been released about the circumstances of his death.
His death comes after his twin brother, former Brisbane Lions player Troy Selwood died by suicide in early February.
Joel Selwood, Adam Selwood and Scott Selwood (L-R) embrace during Troy Selwood’s Funeral Service in February. (Getty Images: Michael Willson/AFL Photos)
Troy Selwood’s fellow AFL-playing brothers — Adam, Joel and Scott — delivered eulogies at his funeral at Kardinia Park on February 14.
Just last month Adam entered the HBF Run for a Reason in Perth to raise money for suicide prevention.
Selwood was born in Bendigo in Victoria, moving to WA when he was a teenager. He was part of one of the AFL’ s most high-profile families.
After his playing career ended Selwood took on several roles at West Coast over the years, including as a development coach and the club’s head of female football.
The AFL has released a statement on behalf of Fiona Selwood and the Selwood family.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Adam earlier today. Words cannot express the grief and sadness we feel,” the 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.”
‘The ultimate team man’
Late on Saturday morning, West Coast released a statement, describing Selwood as a much-loved former player, coach and staff member who made a profound and lasting contribution to the Eagles.
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The club described the loss as heartbreaking, and sent its deepest sympathies to the Selwood family.
“Adam was a great teammate who loved the club, loved his footy,” the club’s head of football, and Eagles’ 2006 premiership coach, John Worsfold said.
“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 always put his mates and team first.”
West Coast CEO Don Pyke described Selwood as an outstanding person and family man, and said the loss was being deeply felt across the club and the West Coast Eagles community.
‘A tremendous blow’
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the “football industry” would unite to support the Selwood family.
Adam Selwood contests the ball during a 2012 match against the Hawks. (Paul Kane: Getty Images)
Dillon said he could not imagine the pain for the family after the loss of Troy Selwood earlier this year, and urged all those in football and the wider community to reach out whenever possible to their friends and colleagues, and check in on them.
“Adam was a dearly loved son, brother, husband and father and his loss is a tremendous blow for all who loved him,”
Dillon said.
“On behalf of the AFL and all of our clubs, I want to send our love to his wife Fiona and their two children, to Maree and Bryce Selwood, Joel and Scott, and their families, and all of Adam’s many friends and colleagues and past teammates at West Coast and across football.”
Andrew Dillon said the “football industry” would unite to support the Selwood family. (ABC News)
Players’ association ‘shattered’
The AFL Players’ Association said it was shattered by the passing of Adam Selwood.
“On behalf of the AFLPA Board, members and staff, we wish to express our sincerest condolences to the Selwood family, Adam’s friends and former teammates, and offer our ongoing support to all members and families that need it,” the association said in a statement.
“The Selwoods are a much loved and admired family and Adam was a man of enormous courage, spirit, and leadership.”
The AFLPA said it continued to offer free and confidential wellbeing support to all current and past player members as well as their significant others.
The West Coast Eagles will honour and pay tribute to Adam Selwood at tomorrow’s home game at Optus Stadium.
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