Adam Selwood, a former Australian rules footballer with the West Coast Eagles, has died unexpectedly. He will be dearly missed, but he leaves behind him a strong legacy of always being kind and serving both his family and greater community. After an illustrious playing career, Selwood devoted 18 years to West Coast’s Community and Game Development department. He will be long-term remembered for his landmark contributions to Australian rules football and his vivacious confession to mental health awareness.
Selwood is survived by his wife, Fiona, and their two children Lenny and Billie. Reactions His family has publicly shared their deep sorrow over his passing. “Adam was a loving husband, and an incredible father to Lenny and Billie,” they stated in a heartfelt message. They reflected on the impact he had on everyone around him: “We will miss Adam deeply — his spirit, his kindness, and the joy he brought to every room.”
Adam Selwood comes from a very small family. Born to Maree and Bryce Brotherhood became the core of their existence. He was a triplet as well—as one of three brothers, his brothers are Joel and Scott. The family endured another tragic loss just this past February when their brother, Troy, passed away at the age of 38. His eulogy for Troy, which Adam delivered at Troy’s funeral, illustrated the profound connection between the two men.
Selwood’s impact on the West Coast Eagles can’t be understated. Over the course of his career, he played 187 games with the club. He was a featured player in 2005’s and 2006’s grand finals. In 2006 he went on to captain-coach the team to a famous win in the grand final. He finished third in the club’s best-and-fairest awards in both 2007 and 2008. Furthermore, in 2006 and 2008 he represented the Australian International Rules Series squad against Ireland.
In recent years, Selwood took on a pivotal role in establishing West Coast’s AFLW program, demonstrating his commitment to advancing women’s sports. At the end of the month, he was planning to run a half-marathon. His objective was to raise funds for Zero2Hero, an organization that educates young people about mental health and its importance. In doing so, he’d already raised over $21,000 in the process.
Nobody who met Adam didn’t immediately see what an exceptional human being he was. He was a family man, said West Coast CEO Don Pyke. The loss is being felt deeply by our entire club, let alone the rest of the West Coast Eagles community. I extend my sincere condolences to the Selwood family and to Adam’s family and friends as they navigate this difficult loss.
The academic and personal legacy of Selwood’s loss is felt beyond his household and even his immediate family. His former coach John Worsfold praised him as “the ultimate team man,” noting that he always put his mates first: “He gave it 100 percent and connected with everyone he was involved with.” Worsfold thinks that Selwood would have wanted them to see the club thrive even as they mourn.
Adam Selwood’s deeply affecting eulogies for his twin brother Joel are a great reminder of the special connection twins have. “Having a non-jerk identical twin is an incredibly rare privilege and fantastically complicated,” he once stated. “A twin is more than a sibling. They’re a neglected treasure, a built-in partner in communication.” He referred to Joel as “my mirror, my fiercest competitor, my greatest ally.” This reinforces the extent to which Joel permeated his existence.
AFL Chief Andrew Dillon echoed the sentiments of sorrow shared by many: “Adam was a dearly loved son, brother, husband, and father, and his loss is a tremendous blow for all who loved him.” Friends have filled social media with support and their condolences. They are posting honest reflections of how Selwood supported them as players and uplifted Australia through his kindness and exceptional sportsmanship.
Our community is devastated by this tragic announcement. Adam Selwood’s legacy will live on through his family’s love, his contributions to footy, and his commitment to important authorities such as mental health awareness.
