Adam Selwood’s touching plan to honour his twin brother has come to light as the AFL community reels from his sudden death aged 41 just months after his sibling.
One of four brothers to play senior AFL football, Adam Selwood played 187 games for West Coast, winning a premiership in 2006.
In a tribute to his brother Troy, who died in February, Adam was planning to take part in the HBF Run for a Reason half marathon next weekend, raising money for charity zero2hero.
‘Hi everyone, Following the heartbreaking loss of my twin brother to suicide, I have made the decision to take on the HBF Health Run for a Reason Half Marathon,’ Adam wrote on his fundraising page for the event.
‘My goal is to raise $10,000 in support of zero2hero – an incredible charity committed to educating, engaging, and empowering young people to become mental health leaders and help prevent youth suicide here in Western Australia.
‘This cause is deeply personal to me, and this run marks an important step in my own healing journey, as well as an ongoing commitment to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention across the country. Your support would mean the world to me.
The AFL has been rocked by the sudden death of Adam Selwood aged 41 (pictured)
Adam was planning to take part in the HBF Run for a Reason half marathon next weekend, raising money for charity zero2hero to honour his twin brother
‘Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of young Western Australians and is deeply appreciated by myself, my family, and the zero2hero community.
‘Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your love, generosity, and support in recent times. I will be sharing my training journey in the lead-up to the run on Sunday, 25 May, and I am incredibly grateful to those who have already helped me get the runners back on and start moving again.’
The Eagles star had raised more than $21,000, but that number has risen to more than $25,000 on Sunday.
Selwood told Nine News last month why running the race was a fitting tribute for his twin brother.
‘We loved running together growing up, it was one part of us to become football players, we knew that going out to do cross country runs together,’ he said.
‘We actually joined a club in our teenage years, they were some of our real happy memories.’
Adam urged others who are struggling with their mental health to seek help.
‘I don’t want anyone to go through this type of pain if it can be avoided, and it can,’ he said.
Adam Selwood played 187 games for West Coast, winning a premiership in 2006
Joel Selwood, Adam Selwood (pictured, middle) and Scott Selwood embrace during Troy Selwood’s funeral service
Adam encouraged others to seek help if they are struggling with their mental health
‘He’s already saved lives, many, that probably during that period needed to speak up and get the care required, to know that’s occurred does warm my heart and does provide me with the strength to keep moving through.’
Adam’s sudden death has rocked the AFL world, with many senior figures already paying their respects.
John Worsfold – Selwood’s coach when the Eagles won the AFL Grand Final against the Swans – was in disbelief when the tragic news was revealed on Saturday.
‘Adam was a great teammate who loved the club, loved his footy,’ he said.
‘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.
‘As a player, Adam was the ultimate team man. He played whatever role was required.
‘He gave it 100 per cent and connected with everyone he was involved with.
‘He’s had a massive impact on our footy club.’
Geelong, where Adam’s decorated brother Joel played and won four premierships, extended their ‘deepest condolences’ on Saturday.
‘The Geelong Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Adam Selwood,’ the statement read.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Fiona, children Lenny and Billie, brothers Joel and Scott and parents Maree and Bryce, our thoughts are with you at this time.’
Geelong premiership forward Cam Mooney, who played alongside Joel Selwood during his time at the Cats, was close to tears on Fox Footy following the development.
‘It’s a family I’ve known for nearly 20 years and a family that I’ve grown very fond of over the years and loved,’ he said.
‘So to hear the news this morning, absolutely tragic….it was only three months ago that we buried Troy.’
Help is available: LIFELINE AUSTRALIA 13 11 14 or BEYOND BLUE 1300 22 46 36
