The famous Selwood football family has been left “heartbroken” after Troy Selwood, the former Brisbane Lions midfielder and Geelong Cats player and administrator, died aged 40. The brother of Geelong great Joel and former West Coast and Cats midfielder Scott, and twin brother of Eagles premiership player Adam, was remembered for his “bravery, his humour, his deep thinking, his love and compassion”.

The football industry was rocked earlier on Tuesday after Dale Tapping, Essendon’s VFL coach and a former assistant at Brisbane and Collingwood, died from cancer aged 59. Selwood played 75 matches for the Lions between 2005 and 2010 after joining the club when selected with pick No 19 in the 2002 draft. He spent more than 10 years at the Cats from 2011, leading the VFL team to a premiership in 2012 as captain before retiring from playing in 2013. He then moved into various off-field roles at the Cats including football operations, academy manager and talent identification manager until a brief stint at Collingwood.

Selwood most recently worked as head of football and sports performance at Geelong Grammar. “We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and father, Troy this morning,” the Selwood family said in a statement. “We will miss Troy more than words can express. “Troy was a much loved and loving member of our family. Over the course of his life, Troy brought joy and light to all who knew him.

“We will miss Troy’s bravery, his humour, his deep thinking, his love and compassion. Troy had a generosity of spirit, cared deeply about people and strove to make the lives of others better.”. Troy’s brother Joel was a four-time premiership player and the longest-serving captain in AFL history during 355 matches with the Cats, Adam played 187 games for the Eagles including the 2006 premiership, and Scott played 169 matches at the Cats and Eagles.

The four sons of Bryce and Maree started playing football at Sandhurst Football Netball Club in Bendigo before all went on to play in the AFL. “On behalf of the AFL our thoughts are with the entire Selwood family and the wider football industry following the tragic passing of Troy Selwood,” Andrew Dillon, AFL CEO, said. “Troy was an incredible advocate for AFL talent pathways programs both in his role as a club recruiter and more recently during his time at Geelong Grammar.

“He demonstrated a core purpose to always place the needs of young players first and created environments where they could be themselves. “Troy always bought a sense of positivity, humour and care to the recruiting and talent development process and will be sadly missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to work with him.”. Steve Hocking, Geelong CEO, added to the tributes for Troy on Tuesday.

“We are extremely saddened to learn of Troy’s passing. The news today has had a deep impact on many current and former players and staff,” Hocking said. “Troy had a great spirit and energy and was someone who always cared about others. He had a passion for working with young people and helping them achieve their dreams of playing elite football. “On behalf of the Geelong Football Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to Troy’s family, children and friends.”.

Tapping was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2023 but continued to work with Essendon while receiving treatment. “Dale was a man of impeccable character who was universally loved and respected by those who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him over his 28 years in the football industry,” Bombers president David Barham said. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.