Adam Selwood Death and Obituary – The AFL community is reeling from the sudden and tragic death of former West Coast Eagles premiership player Adam Selwood, who passed away at the age of 41. His death comes just months after the loss of his identical twin brother, Troy, compounding the grief for the Selwood family and the wider football world.
Adam Selwood, remembered as a dedicated athlete and a selfless teammate, played 187 games for the West Coast Eagles between 2003 and 2013. A vital part of the club’s 2006 premiership-winning side, Selwood was known for his resilience, on-field determination, and leadership both during and after his playing career. His passing was confirmed by the Selwood family in a heartfelt statement expressing their immense grief.
“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,” the statement read. The family also paid tribute to Adam’s kindness, infectious spirit, and unique ability to make people feel special, requesting privacy as they navigate the immense loss.
The news has struck a deep chord across the AFL, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, coaches, and fans. West Coast’s premiership coach John Worsfold described Adam as “the ultimate team man,” noting his selflessness and the deep connection he had with everyone at the club. “He gave it 100 per cent and connected with everyone he was involved with,” Worsfold said.
Former coach Adam Simpson expressed his devastation, saying, “It breaks your heart.” Scott Selwood, Adam’s younger brother and former player for both West Coast and Geelong, was granted personal leave from his coaching role with Collingwood in light of the tragedy. Joel Selwood, Adam’s younger brother and four-time premiership captain for Geelong, has not yet publicly commented but is understood to be with family.
The Selwood family has faced an unimaginable year of loss. In February, Adam’s twin Troy died after a long struggle with mental health. At Troy’s memorial, Adam described the deep and complex bond shared between twins, calling Troy his “built-in best mate.” The emotional eulogy highlighted the profound connection they shared, and how Troy’s death had inspired Adam to participate in the HBF Run for a Reason, aiming to raise funds for the mental health charity zero2hero.
Adam’s advocacy for mental health, particularly in the wake of his brother’s death, demonstrated his character off the field. His efforts to honor Troy and raise awareness reflected the deep love he had for his family and the legacy he hoped to build beyond football.
The passing of Adam Selwood is not only a loss to his family and the West Coast Eagles, but also to the broader AFL community. He will be remembered not just for his achievements on the field, but for the grace, compassion, and commitment he showed throughout his life.