The AFL is in mourning after the death of Troy Selwood on Tuesday, aged just 40.

A former Brisbane Lions player, Troy is the older brother of Geelong legend Joel Selwood.

His body was found at a home in Geelong and he leaves behind two young children.

‘Troy was a much loved and loving member of our family. Over the course of his life, Troy bought joy and light to all who knew him. He was a loving son of Maree and Bryce, a supportive and caring brother to Adam, Joel and Scott, and a doting father of beautiful children Tom and Sadie.

‘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 Selwood is pictured playing for the Brisbane Lions, where he starred in 75 games from 2003 to 2010

Troy (right) is pictured with his younger brother Joel (centre) and former Geelong star Harry Taylor in 2014

‘We are grateful to all those that have supported Troy throughout his life, and we know that his many friends, teammates and colleagues will miss him greatly.

‘Troy achieved many great things in his life. From his time as a young man and student, to his journey as an AFL player, to working in recruiting young players to help live their AFL dreams to his latest passion and adventure at Geelong Grammar School, Troy was able to influence and touch the lives of so many people.

‘We know many people will reach out and share their stories of Troy, and we thank you for your love and support.

‘The family asks for privacy and respect during this time as we process our devastating loss.’

Troy Selwood played 75 games for the Lions between 2003 and 2010 after the club took him in the second round of the 2002 draft.

His twin brother Adam played for the West Coast Eagles, and youngest brother Scott joined Joel in playing for the Cats. 

After his AFL career, Selwood joined the Cats, playing for the cub’s VFL team and winning the 2012 premiership as captain with them before taking roles with the club’s football operations, academy and talent identification from 2017 to 2021.

He departed the club that year to join Collingwood as list and recruiting manager, but stepped down after just six weeks due to health reasons.

The Selwood family revealed their devastation in a statement on Tuesday. Pictured left to right: Scott, Bryce, Brit, Joel, Maree, Troy and Adam Selwood 

Troy moved to Geelong after finishing with the Lions, winning a premiership with the club’s VFL side before moving into the talent department

Troy was working as the head of football and sport performance at the exclusive Geelong Grammar school. 

Earlier this week his passion for footy shone through when he talked about Richmond recruit and talented cricketer Sam Lalor, who attended the school before being taken by the Tigers with the No.1 pick in last year’s AFL draft.

‘The boys [other students] used to all come out when Sammy came to the crease, and watch him bat,’ Selwood told The Age.

Geelong star Jed Bews played with Troy in the 2012 VFL premiership win and was left gutted by the news.

‘We only found out about an hour or so ago so it’s pretty raw,’ he told News Corp.

‘I was lucky enough to play in a VFL in a premiership in my first year with Troy and way I remember him was he was always a bubbly person, always up and about, always happy to have a chat.

‘It is a tough time, firstly for the family and close friends but also the footy club second. We are just going to wrap our arms around the Selwoods and just do whatever we can to support them.’

Geelong CEO Steve Hocking paid respects to Selwood in a statement 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,’ he 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.’

Troy Selwood is pictured at the 2022 press conference announcing brother Joel’s retirement from the AFL

Carlton coach Michael Voss, who coached Selwood at the Lions in 2009, recalled his bravery when he and Richmond’s Alex Rance knocked each other out in a collision that year.

‘Every now again as a coach you get goose bumps about different things, and I got goose bumps when I saw that,’ Voss said.

‘I thought “that’s what teamwork is all about” – when one of your mates puts his body on the line for you and is willing to hurt himself for the greater cause.

‘When you see all the guys go over to him after the game and acknowledge that effort, it is spine tingling. And when you see a commitment like that from one of your teammates you can’t help but not want to let him down.’

Troy’s brother Joel is regarded as one of the greatest Aussie Rules players ever, winning four premierships with the Cats and setting the record as the AFL’s longest-serving club captain during his 355-match career with the club from 2007 to 2022.  

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