Latest news with #TroySelwood
ABC News
29-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Football clubs in regional WA step up efforts to tackle suicide
Warning: This story discusses content some readers may find distressing. The football community was shattered when former West Coast Eagles premiership player, Adam Selwood, died suddenly in May. It was just months after his twin brother and former Brisbane player, Troy, died by suicide. Now regional football clubs are taking a closer look at whether they are doing enough for players' mental health. Data from suicide prevention advocacy group Think Mental Health shows one person from WA dies by suicide every day, with three out of four of those being men. In Geraldton, about 400 kilometres north of Perth, sporting teams have felt the ripple effect of suicide too many times. Railways Football Club head trainer Grant Russell said the impact left more questions than answers. "Sadly I've lost a couple of close mates to suicide, I've also lost other people within the football club," Mr Russell said. "When I lost a very good friend a few years ago to suicide I thought to myself, 'Why?' Mr Russell, known to his club mates as Grunter, was diagnosed with bipolar almost 20 years ago. He said hoped he could harness his experience to help others. "I totally understand how you can feel lost in the darkness and think, 'Where do I go next?'" he said. "I'm quite happy with the way I cope with my illness but it is something you must be conscious of every single day." Earlier this month, the Railways community was rocked when a teammate tried to take their life. It lit a fire under the club that change was needed. "It shouldn't have taken that to kick us where it hurts to get ourselves aware and really talking about what the issues are," Mr Russell said. The Great Northern Football League holds two mental health rounds within a season. Mr Russell said he wanted to inspire meaningful conversations. He was able to get the players and umpires to wear blue arm bands and added "Think Mental Health" covers to one of the point posts. "There were a number of people that asked me, 'Grant, why is there one on one point post only' and I said, 'That's the point,'" he said. "People are going to ask why and we can now open up and start talking about mental health. In Northampton, 50 kilometres north of Geraldton, the local footy club has also struggled with mental health issues. "We've lost some very close friends, cousins, relatives [to suicide]," Northampton Rams Football Club president Anthony Jupp said. "I definitely think coming from the country it's more about the isolation and thinking no-one's there to help them. "Definitely one [of our players] thought he was all alone but he didn't realise what he meant to the community, to all his friends and family." Mr Jupp said the strong country mentality was a constant barrier to players seeking help. He said a lot of players did not think they needed mental health support or would be too nervous to reach out on their own. "But if we can get someone to come to the club and speak to the group as a whole I think, you know, if we only reach one or two, that's perfect," he said. Mr Russell said he wanted people to know it was OK to not be OK. "I know that [can be a] throwaway line that all campaigns use, but it is OK," he said. After the passing of the Selwood brothers, Great Northern Football League president Carrissa Bellottie said she was shocked that mental-health rounds were not run at the national level. "It definitely did come as a shock [because] we've had mental-health rounds here for years," she said. "More recently Country Footy WA have got a new program called Tackle Your Feelings. "So that no matter who you are, there's some sort of mental health program that you can reach out to at any given time." The new initiative provides psychologist-led training for sporting clubs to identify and respond to poor mental health among members. The AFL created a mental health strategy in 2020 and partners with the Black Dog Institute for the annual "Spud's game". The AFL Players Association offers mental health support for current and former players. In a written statement, WA Sports Minister Rita Saffioti said football clubs served as important platforms to talk about mental health.
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Matildas star drives support network for retired athletes following tragic death of AFL stars Adam and Troy Selwood
A former Matildas star is leading a push for better support for retired athletes after the tragic deaths of Adam and Troy Selwood. AFL fans were left reeling earlier this year following the deaths of the twin brothers. Troy Selwood died by suicide in early February. His twin brother Adam, a premiership player for the West Coast Eagles, died just three months later. The news stunned the sporting community and placed fresh focus on the mental and emotional challenges elite athletes often face once their careers end. Now, Matildas legend Elise Kellond-Knight has stepped forward to help lead the response. The retired midfielder, who represented Australia across 17 years and two Olympic Games, is backing a new initiative by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to support athletes adjusting to life after elite competition. The program, called the Retired Athlete Peer Support Network, offers a safe space for former athletes to connect, reflect, and rebuild. 'It's heartbreaking,' Kellond-Knight said in an interview with Wide World of Sports. 'It's something you just don't fathom is possible, and you would hope that they had every possible piece of support around them before what eventuated.' The network aims to give retired athletes an opportunity to share experiences with others who understand the emotional toll of stepping away from sport. Whether it's been a year or a decade since they last competed, the program encourages connection and conversation, something Kellond-Knight believes is sorely needed. 'It shows you how hard it is for athletes to adjust to a new way of life,' she said. 'To basically give up one of their nearest, dearest things to them. It does show you the struggles that we all go through.' The program was developed following consultation with psychologists, coaches, and athletes, and was strongly pushed by the AIS athlete advisory committee - a group that includes both current and retired stars such as Olympic champion Nina Kennedy, surfing icon Sally Fitzgibbons, and Paralympic legend Kurt Fearnley. The committee raised concerns with AIS leaders that retirement support was lacking, particularly for athletes grappling with identity loss and disconnection. 'One of the big things every retired athlete I've ever spoken to has referred to is change of identity,' AIS executive general manager of performance Matti Clements said. 'Some will call it a loss of identity, others will say they're stepping into a new phase, but for many, it's, 'I don't know who I am anymore.' Kellond-Knight, who retired in October last year, admitted that while her identity as an athlete remained strong, the shift in routine and physical activity was difficult to manage. 'I've still got this really healthy relationship with Elise the footballer,' she said. 'I still play in the Victorian Premier League, I'm deputy chair of Professional Footballers Australia, and I commentate on matches. So the identity part isn't hard.' For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Text Service : 0477 13 11 14 Beyond Blue : 1300 224 636
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
AFL WAG Brit Selwood shares emotional tribute to her 'magic' sons after losing three close family members in a matter of just months
Brit Selwood has shared a moving Instagram post expressing gratitude for her sons, as she continues to process the grief of losing three close family members in just a matter of months. The 32-year-old wife of former AFL star Joel Selwood said her boys Alfie and Joey have been a source of 'laughter, light and love' following the deaths of her brothers-in-law Troy and Adam Selwood, and more recently, her grandmother. 'I love you boys, you are magic right now,' Brit captioned a series of candid photos and videos featuring her children smiling and playing. The post quickly attracted an outpouring of support from friends, fans and fellow WAGS. Rebecca Judd, Lana Wilkinson and Brooke Warne were among the stars who flooded the comments with love heart emojis and heartfelt messages. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Children get us through the toughest of times. Sending so much love to your family,' wrote one follower. Another added: 'Hold them tight honey so much love to you and your family xx.' A third said simply: 'Thinking of you and your family Brit. Xx' A forth commented: 'Sending so much love', while others praised the 'unconditional love' that children bring during moments of despair. The Selwood family has been rocked by a string of tragedies, beginning with the devastating death of Joel's twin brother Troy Selwood, who died by suicide at the age of 40 on February 4 at a property in Geelong. Just three months later, the heartbreak deepened with the passing of Troy's identical twin, Adam Selwood, who died in Perth on May 17 at the age of 41. Adam was a former premiership player for the West Coast Eagles and much-loved figure in the AFL community. As the family attempted to come to terms with their unimaginable grief, Brit shared another sorrowful update just weeks later - the passing of her beloved grandmother. 'Rest peacefully Grandma. You were a great grandma,' she wrote in a simple but emotional tribute. Police have confirmed Adam's death, which came just three months after his twin Troy passed away, is not being treated as suspicious. Joel, a Geelong premiership captain, took to Instagram following the tragedy to publish a series of pictures of himself and Adam and his other brother Scott. He captioned the post: 'Rest up, love you brother. Look after each other.' Last month, the footy great celebrated his 37th birthday - and his wife marked the occasion with a simple post on social media. Brit posted a black and white photo of the family alongside the caption: 'Happy Birthday @joelselwood14. We love you.' Adam passed away a week before he was supposed to take part in HBF Run for a Reason, raising funds for mental health charity zero2hero in memory of Troy. A group of his closest friends decided to finish what he had started and complete the race. The group running included former players Drew Banfield and Quinten Lynch, as well as current stars Brad Dalziell, Travis Gasper, Sharrod Wellingham and Matt Rosa. The Eagles star had raised more than $21,000 at the time of his death, but that number has risen to more than $76,000 on Sunday. Adam made 187 appearances for the Eagles during his career and played a key role in helping the club win the 2006 AFL Grand Final. He joined the footy club in the 2002 National Draft and would enjoy a 10-year career in footy's top-flight competition. Adam mostly played as a tagger before hanging up his boots in 2013. After his retirement in 2013, Adam would continue to work in football taking up a role as a development coach with the West Coast. He'd later become the inaugural head of the Eagles women's footy side and was pivotal in bringing key AFLW players to the club. For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Text Service : 0477 13 11 14 Beyond Blue : 1300 224 636 13 Yarn (an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line): 13 92 76 Suicide Call Back Service : 1300 659 467
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
AFL WAG Brit Selwood shares tribute to husband Joel's brother Adam - after he tragically died in the months following the death of his twin Troy
Brit Selwood has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her brother-in-law Adam following his recent death in Perth aged 41. The AFL community was left devastated when the former Eagles premiership player died on May 17, just months after the tragic death of his identical twin brother Troy. Now, brother Joel's wife Brit has shared a black and white family photo of the footy star alongside the caption: 'Rest easy Adam.' Brit included a broken red love heart, white love heart, and dove emoji in the message. The picture saw Brit and her husband Joel posing with his brother Adam and the footy player's wife Fiona, with whom he shared children Lenny and Billie. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The family appeared to be enjoying a day out watching the footy at an AFL stadium. Police have confirmed Adam's death, which came just three months after his twin Troy passed away, is not being treated as suspicious. Joel, a Geelong premiership captain, took to Instagram following the tragedy to publish a series of pictures of himself and Adam and his other brother Scott. He captioned the post: 'Rest up, love you brother. Look after each other.' On Monday, the footy great celebrated his 37th birthday—and his wife marked the occasion with a simple post on social media. Brit posted a black and white photo of the family alongside the caption: 'Happy Birthday @joelselwood14. We love you.' Adam passed away a week before he was supposed to take part in HBF Run for a Reason, raising funds for mental health charity zero2hero in memory of Troy. On Sunday, a group of his closest friends decided to finish what he had started and complete the race. The group running included former players Drew Banfield and Quinten Lynch, as well as current stars Brad Dalziell, Travis Gasper, Sharrod Wellingham and Matt Rosa. The Eagles star had raised more than $21,000 at the time of his death, but that number has risen to more than $76,000 on Sunday. Adam made 187 appearances for the Eagles during his career and played a key role in helping the club win the 2006 AFL Grand Final. He joined the footy club in the 2002 National Draft and would enjoy a 10-year career in footy's top-flight competition. Adam mostly played as a tagger before hanging up his boots in 2013. After his retirement in 2013, Adam would continue to work in football taking up a role as a development coach with the West Coast. He'd later become the inaugural head of the Eagles women's footy side and was pivotal in bringing key AFLW players to the club. For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Text Service : 0477 13 11 14 Beyond Blue : 1300 224 636 13 Yarn (an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line): 13 92 76
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Ben Cousins and Chris Judd lead a who's who of the AFL at footy star Adam Selwood's memorial service after his tragic death aged just 41
West Coast premiership star Adam Selwood has been remembered as the ultimate team man who also had an infectious personality, after his sudden death aged 41. Selwood's tragic passing in Perth on May 17 came just three months after his identical twin and fellow former AFL player Troy Selwood died. Members of the AFL's famous Selwood family, Adam and Troy were brothers of Geelong champion Joel and former Eagles and Cats midfielder Scott. Adam Selwood played 187 games for West Coast, including the 2006 premiership, before retiring from football in 2013. At the club's Lathlain base in Perth on Wednesday afternoon, many of Selwood's former teammates attended the private memorial service, including the likes of captain Chris Judd, Ben Cousins, Daniel Kerr and David Wirrpanda. Other long-time teammates, including Josh Kennedy, Matt Priddis, Andrew Gaff and Mark LeCras were also there. A funeral pamphlet for the event featured a photo of Selwood in a suit and bow tie, with the words 'in loving memory of Adam Murray Selwood'. It comes after the Selwood family released a statement via the AFL on the day the father of two died. 'We are heartbroken by the passing of Adam. Words cannot express the grief and sadness we feel. '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.' Troy Selwood, who played 75 games for the Brisbane Lions, died in February and was remembered by his twin Adam as a 'built-in best mate' at his funeral. Adam declared writing the eulogy was the 'hardest thing' he had ever had to do. 'Having an identical twin is both a rare privilege and wonderfully complex,' Adam said at Troy's memorial service at GMHBA Stadium in February. Recently retired Geelong star Tom Hawkins flew over from Melbourne for the memorial service 'A twin is more than a sibling, they are a constant presence, a built-in best mate and someone who understands you in a way that no-one ever could. 'Troy wasn't just my brother; he was my mirror, my fiercest competitor, my greatest ally and the one person that knew what I was always thinking. 'Losing him has left a massive hole in my life.' Adam Selwood's premiership teammate Adam Hunter also died in the same week as Troy Selwood in February. Hunter, who also played alongside Scott Selwood with the Eagles, was 43. Meanwhile, West Coast's 2006 premiership coach and current head of football John Worsfold led tributes to Adam Selwood following news of his sudden death. 'Adam was a great teammate who loved the club and loved his footy,' Worsfold said in a statement. 'He always put his mates and team first, and he would be saying that now. He would be wanting to see our club grow and return to having on-field success once again. 'We drafted him at 18 and watched him grow as a player and person. 'We got to know the Selwood family so well over the years, and they are such wonderful people who our hearts go out to more than anything.' AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said he could not imagine the pain of the Selwood family. '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 team mates at West Coast and across football,' Dillon said in a statement. Originally from Bendigo, Adam Selwood moved to Perth when he was drafted by West Coast in 2002. He joined the Eagles' coaching ranks after his retirement as a player, working with the club's AFL and AFLW teams. Selwood was also West Coast's inaugural head of female football, charged with setting up the club's AFLW team. Lifeline 13 11 14
