‘We are heartbroken’: AFL world rocked by sudden death of Troy Selwood at just 40

The Selwood family have been left “heartbroken” by the sudden passing of former AFL player and recruiter Troy Selwood, who died on Tuesday morning.

A family statement on Tuesday afternoon confirmed the passing of Selwood, aged 40.

CODE Sports reported Selwood’s body was found at a Geelong home on Tuesday.

One of four brothers to play in the AFL, Selwood played 75 games across eight seasons for the Brisbane Lions after being drafted with Pick 19 in the 2022 draft. He was the twin brother of premiership Eagle Adam Selwood, while his younger siblings were four-time premiership Cat Joel Selwood and former Eagle and Cat Scott Selwood.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our son, brother and father, Troy this morning. We will miss Troy more than words can express,” the Selwood family statement read.

“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.

“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.”

Selwood was drafted ahead of the 2003 season, but didn’t debut until Round 1, 2005. He was famously involved in a fierce head-on collision with Richmond star Alex Rance during a Tigers-Lions game in 2009.

“On behalf of the Brisbane Lions, we extend our deepest condolences to the entire Selwood family at this very difficult time,” Lions chief executive Greg Swann said.

“Troy was much loved amongst his teammates and respected across the industry for his work in multiple football roles.”

After retiring from the AFL, Selwood joined Geelong’s VFL team and captained the Cats to their 2012 premiership.

Selwood then held various off-field roles at the Cats, including football operations, academy manager and talent ID manager.

“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,” Cats chief executive Steve 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.”

After working in the football department at Collingwood for a short time, Selwood became Head of Football and Sports Performance Mentor Geelong Grammar.

“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,” the Selwood family statement read.

“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.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon paid tribute to Selwood, saying he was “an incredible advocate” for AFL talent pathways programs.

“He demonstrated a core purpose to always place the needs of young players first and created environments where they could be themselves,” Dillon said.

“Troy always brought 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.

“We send our deepest sympathies to Joel, Adam, Scott, Bryce, Maree and the entire Selwood family, the staff and students at Geelong Grammar and all those who knew him in the football family at this time.”

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