- Tribute to Adam Selwood sparks outrage on social media
- AFL premiership winner Adam Selwood died aged 41
A tribute to the late AFL star Adam Selwood has sparked a social media frenzy after a local Indigenous elder misnamed the footballer during a Welcome to Country ceremony on Saturday night.
The AFL community is reeling from the sudden death of Selwood, 41, who death was revealed on Saturday – just months after his twin brother Troy passed away.
One of four brothers to play senior AFL football, Adam Selwood played 187 games for West Coast, winning a premiership in 2006.
Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO paid tribute to the footy star during her Welcome to Country at Marvel Stadium before the AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and Essendon.
Murphy Wandin delivered a touching message – however she mentioned Troy Selwood in her speech, not Adam.
‘Today we all shared some very sad news,’ she said.
Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO misnamed Adam Selwood during a Welcome to Country ceremony on Saturday night
The AFL has been rocked by the sudden death of Adam Selwood aged 41 (pictured)
‘I would like to acknowledge though, firstly, the passing of young players. Exceptional when they are that young for this to happen.
‘And I’d like to mention and pay my tribute and best wishes to Andrew Krakouer’s family.
‘And then of course today we heard the passing of Troy Selwood, another young man too young. We are very saddened by his loss. And again. Sincere condolences to his family.
‘And in my era, the lovely Robert Walls. A man of stigma. A man of stamina. And a man that was committed to everything he did. And again we pay condolences to his family.’
Plenty of footy fans took to social media to call out the mistake.
‘Terrible by Aunty Joy. Incredibly disrespectful,’ wrote one X user, whose post has been viewed close to 69,000 times.
‘Not a good look by the lady doing the welcome to country getting Adam Selwood and Troy Selwood mixed up today,’ posted another.
‘How can you say the wrong name… terrible,’ wrote a third.
Joel Selwood, Adam Selwood (pictured, middle) and Scott Selwood embrace during Troy Selwood’s funeral service
Adam Selwood played 187 games for West Coast, winning a premiership in 2006
‘Who the hell proof-read Aunty Joy’s speech?!’ posted a fourth.
Another chimed in: ‘Aunty Joy has had a nightmare. If you’re paying your respects, at least do it right’.
Others rushed to defend Murphy Wandin, with one one X user posting: ‘I must have been watching a different version. I thought Aunty Joy did a wonderful job…’
Meanwhile, it was revealed that Selwood had planned to take part in a fun run next weekend to raise money for charity zero2hero in tribute to his brother Troy.
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.
Selwood will be honoured on Sunday afternoon before West Coast’s match with St Kilda.
