Former Brisbane Lions Player Troy Selwood Passes Away at 40
Troy Selwood, a former Brisbane Lions player and the brother of Geelong premiership captain Joel Selwood, died at the age of 40.
The AFL announced his death in a statement from the Troy family on Tuesday. However, the reason for the death has not been disclosed.
Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
In a touching statement, the Troy family expressed their deep sorrow:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother, and father, Troy. Words cannot express how much we will miss him. Troy was a cherished member of our family, bringing joy and light to all who knew him. He was a loving son to Maree and Bryce, a devoted brother to Adam, Joel, and Scott, and a doting father to his beautiful children, Tom and Sadie.”
The family highlighted Troy’s courage, humour, compassion, and generosity. “He deeply cared for others and always strived to make a difference in people’s lives. From his time as a young student and AFL player to his work in talent recruitment and his recent role at Geelong Grammar School, Troy made a lasting impact on many.”
They said thanks to all who had supported Troy through his life requesting for privacy as his loss.
Selwood’s AFL Career and Legacy
Troy Selwood was selected by the Brisbane Lions as the 19th pick in the 2002 AFL Draft. He made his debut in 2005 and played 75 games for the Lions, kicking 11 goals before being delisted at the end of the 2010 season.
Returning to Victoria, he joined Geelong’s VFL team, captaining them to the 2012 VFL premiership with a grand final victory over Port Melbourne. He retired from VFL football in 2013.
Beyond his playing career, Troy was dedicated to developing young talent. He worked in AFL recruitment, helping aspiring players achieve their dreams, and most recently contributed to the Geelong Grammar School community.
AFL Community Mourns
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon paid tribute to Troy Selwood, acknowledging his contributions to the sport:
“Troy was a passionate advocate for AFL Talent Pathways, always prioritizing young players and creating supportive environments for them. His positivity, humour, and care will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.”
Dillon extended condolences to the Troy family, the staff and students at Geelong Grammar, and the broader AFL community.
A Tough Day for the AFL World
Troy Selwood’s passing comes on a difficult day for the AFL community, as Essendon also announced the tragic death of their VFL coach, Dale Tapping. The football world is united in mourning the loss of two respected figures who made a significant impact on the game.
