The AFL world has been shaken by the tragic news of the sudden death of former Brisbane Lions player Troy Selwood, who passed away at the age of 40. Reports indicate his body was found at his home in Geelong, leaving behind two young children, Tom and Sadie.
The Selwood family released a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation: "We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother, and father, Troy this morning. We will miss Troy more than words can express. Troy was a much-loved and loving member of our family. Over the course of his life, Troy brought joy and light to all who knew him."
Troy was known for his deep bond with the AFL, being the twin brother of West Coast star Adam Selwood and the older sibling of Geelong greats Joel and Scott Selwood. The family continued, "We will miss Troy’s bravery, his humour, his deep thinking, his love and compassion. Troy had a generosity of spirit, cared deeply about people, and strove to make the lives of othersbetter."
Drafted by the Brisbane Lions with pick 19 in the 2002 AFL National Draft, Troy made his debut during the 2005 season and played 75 games for the team until 2010. Following his time at the Lions, he joined the Geelong VFL team, where he not only played but also captained the side to the 2012 premiership. He remained involved with the Geelong Football Club, working various roles, including football operations, talent identification, and most recently, as head of football and sport performance at Geelong Grammar School.
Geelong Football Club's CEO Steve Hocking stated, "We are extremely saddened to learn of Troy's passing. The news today has had a deep impact on many current and former players and staff. Troy had great spirit and energy and was someone who always cared about others. He had a passion for working with young people and helping them achieve their dreams of playing elite football. On behalf of the Geelong Football Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to Troy's family, children, and friends."
Tributes have poured in from across the AFL community, with former teammates recalling the impact Troy had on and off the field. Jed Bews, who played alongside him during the 2012 VFL premiership campaign, shared, "He was always bubbly, always happy to have a chat. It's tough for the family and close friends, but also for the footy club. We're going to support the Selwoods during this tough time."
Troy's ability to connect and inspire extended beyond his playing career. His passion for recruiting young talent was notable, as he worked under the mentorship of legendary recruiter Stephen Wells at Geelong. His battles with finding and nurturing talent were acknowledged by many, including AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, who characterized him as "an incredible advocate" for talent pathways, always putting the needs of young players first.
His untimely passing came on the same day the AFL community was mourning another loss: Essendon VFL coach Dale Tapping, who succumbed to Myeloma after two years of battling blood cancer. Many expressed their condolences to both families, highlighting the shared grief when faced with the loss of such respected figures.
Reflecting on his influence and commitment, Carlton coach Michael Voss recalled, "Troy was someone who put his body on the line for his teammates and represented what teamwork is all about. You could feel the unity and respect he commanded."
Even after retiring from competitive play, Troy's dedication to nurturing the next generation of AFL stars exemplified his lasting legacy. His work at Geelong Grammar was driven by the love for developing young athletes, matching their talents with opportunities. His dedication created environments where young players felt valued and encouraged.
The Selwood family wishes to process their loss privately, thanking the community for the support they’ve received during this heart-wrenching time. They stated, "We are grateful to all those who supported Troy throughout his life, and we know his many friends, teammates, and colleagues will miss him greatly." Troy Selwood, as both competitor and mentor, embodied the spirit of the AFL, and his departure will be felt deeply by all who knew him.