Geelong Cats great Cameron Mooney choked back tears on live TV after West Coast Eagles premiership player Adam Selwood died. He was only 41.
Adam’s death on Saturday morning comes just three months after the death of his identical twin brother, Troy, who took his own life in February.
The AFL confirmed Adam’s death in a statement from his wife, Fiona, and the Selwood family: parents Maree and Bryce, and brothers Joel and Scott.
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Adam, Troy, Joel and Scott all played for many years in the AFL.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Adam earlier today,” the statement read.
“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.
Adam Selwood speaks at the funeral of his identical twin brother, Troy, in February. Standing by his side are brothers Scott (left) and Joel. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“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.
“We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult time.”
AFL world heartbroken at death of Adam Selwood
Mooney, who played with Joel for Geelong, delivered an emotional tribute on Fox Footy at half time during Collingwood’s match against Adelaide.
“It’s a family I’ve known for nearly 20 years and a family I’ve grown very fond of over the years and loved,” he said.
“To hear the news this morning, it’s absolutely tragic … it was only a few months ago we buried Troy.
“I just want to send all my condolences to a family that I absolutely love and adore and to a teammate that I got to play alongside with and win a couple of premierships. Just letting everyone know we’re all thinking of you and we love you, all the best.”
Cameron Mooney paid tribute to Adam Selwood. Getty/Fox Footy
After Collingwood won against Adelaide, Mooney interviewed Magpies coach Craig McRae. Adam Selwood’s brother Scott is on Collingwood’s coaching staff, and was given leave ahead of the match.
Mooney asked McRae about him hugging all his staff and the family culture at the Magpies.
“It’s important to us, everyone plays their part,” McRae said before struggling to speak.
“We know mate,” Mooney simply said before McRae had to walk away.
Craig McRae speaks with Cameron Mooney. Fox Footy
Adam played 187 AFL games for West Coast between 2003 and 2013.
He was a member of the Eagles side that defeated the Sydney Swans in the 2006 grand final.
Adam spoke at Troy’s funeral at Kardinia Park in February, describing his twin brother as “a constant presence, a built-in best mate and someone who understands you in a way that no one ever could”.
Adam had been training for the HBF Run for a Reason half-marathon and raising funds for zero2hero, a Western Australian mental health charity.
Adam Selwood in action for West Coast in 2006. Getty
He committed to the challenge after Troy’s death and was due to run next Sunday.
WA Police confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.
“About 6.20am Saturday, police received a report of welfare concerns for a 41-year-old male in Herdsman,” a WA Police statement said.
“Police attended and the man was sadly located deceased.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner.”
Tributes for Adam are flooding in.
Troy and Adam Selwood as kids. Supplied
“Adam was a dearly loved son, brother, husband and father and his loss is a tremendous blow for all who loved him,” said AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon.
“Adam was a great teammate who loved the club, loved his footy,” said John Worsfold, West Coast’s head of football and the club’s 2006 premiership coach.
“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 today.”
AFL Players’ Association chief executive Paul Marsh said: “The Selwoods are a much-loved and admired family and Adam was a man of enormous courage, spirit, and leadership — qualities that are universally admired”.
