Broken-hearted Joel Selwood shares heartfelt message about brother Troy’s death after ‘toughest two weeks’

• Joel Selwood has reflected on brother Troy’s death
• He posted a touching message on social media
• For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

By JAMES COONEY FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Former Geelong AFL star Joel Selwood has shared an emotional message following the death of his brother Troy Selwood, who passed away at the age of 40 after a long mental health struggle.

Troy played 75 games for the Brisbane Lions between 2003 and 2010, before becoming an assistant coach with Geelong where his brother Joel was a premiership-winning captain.

Friends, family, and former teammates – including a host of players from the Geelong Cats – joined together last week to remember the beloved husband, father, and footballer.

On Tuesday night, Joel posted a photo of the family hand-in-hand. 

‘The past two weeks have been some of the toughest we’ve faced as a family,’ Joel wrote on Instagram.

‘However, we are truly grateful for the overwhelming love and support from so many who have been touched by Troy’s passing.

Joel Selwood (left) has shared a touching message following the death of his brother Troy 

Thousands of loved ones and members of the AFL footy community attended Troy’s funeral service last week

‘While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace. Thank you for standing by us during this difficult time.

‘Love The Selwoods.’

Troy Selwood’s passing has sparked calls for the AFL to establish a Mental Health Round to raise awareness and support for players struggling to adapt to life after football.

The AFL is open to exploring this possibility, recognising the importance of addressing mental health issues within the football community.

Former Carlton and Brisbane Lions star Brendan Fevola recently broke down on air during his radio show, calling for more mental health support for players after enduring his own struggles in his playing days.

‘We see it all the time that players have mental health problems, and I just feel like the AFL aren’t equipped … or doesn’t shine enough light on mental health for men,’ Fevola said.

‘It doesn’t get spoken about enough … when I was going through some problems, I never told anyone. I thought I was this big footy player, I earn a bit of money, and if I said something I thought people wouldn’t like me.’

Troy Selwood (centre) played 75 AFL games for the Brisbane Lions between 2003 and 2010

Joel said the last two weeks were the toughest his family had faced

AFL head of inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch says a themed round to highlight mental health was ‘one of many suggestions we will continue to consider’, and could be incorporated with the annual game in memory of former St Kilda captain and popular broadcaster Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley.

‘We have Spud’s Game, which is a really important game and extremely well supported and something that St Kilda holds… I am sure we will continue to build on that,’ Hosch said.

For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

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Broken-hearted Joel Selwood shares heartfelt message about brother Troy’s death after ‘toughest two weeks’

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