‘A legend, in every sense’: AFL community mourns sporting great Robert Walls

AFL great Robert Walls, a revered figure in Australian football who claimed multiple premierships as both a player and coach with Carlton, has sadly passed away at the age of 74.

His family confirmed that Walls made the deeply personal decision to access Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying laws, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

A respected voice in the game and a member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame, Walls passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15.

“Robert did it his way and chose to end a fight that had seen him spend more than 250 nights in hospital during the past two years,” the AFL said in a statement.

“His son David, speaking on behalf of sister Rebecca and brother Daniel, confirmed the Carlton, Fitzroy and Brisbane great and grandfather to seven had passed away peacefully in his unit overlooking the MCG.

“Having spent the last couple of weeks tidying up his affairs and catching up with family and close friends, he chose that over more and more hospital visits for treatment.”

Walls leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Australian football — one that spans generations and clubs.

A tough and fearless centre half-forward, Walls played 259 games for Carlton and Fitzroy between 1967 and 1980, featuring in Carlton’s premiership triumphs in 1968, 1970, and 1972. He seamlessly transitioned into coaching, leading Fitzroy before taking the reins at Carlton, Brisbane, and Richmond.

His crowning achievement as coach came in 1987, when he guided the Blues to a premiership — further cementing his status as a club legend. Later, his deep understanding of the game made him a respected media commentator and voice of reason within the sport.

Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from fans and the AFL community — all honouring a man whose impact on the game was both profound and enduring.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of three-time Carlton premiership player, 1987 premiership coach and Australian Football Hall of Fame member Robert Walls 💙

Details: https://t.co/lSMAJZW7YH pic.twitter.com/M3bHbgrA9g

— AFL (@AFL) May 15, 2025

Behind the gruff exterior of AFL… Robert Walls was a beautiful human being.
Kind, generous, caring.
In the end unbelievably courageous.
He loved his family dearly.
I was proud to call him a friend and I’ll miss him.
Condolences to all those that loved him.
Vale Rob 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/0gIw42DCR4

— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) May 15, 2025

Sad day with the passing of Robert Walls .A great Carlton player and wonderful premiership coach .Loved working with Rob on SEN. Recent conversation outlined his future and spoke of the love he had for family and grandkids.loved, respected and admired by all who knew him. Kb

— Kevin Bartlett (@KevinBartlett29) May 15, 2025

A Legend, in every sense.

Remembering Robert Walls 💙 pic.twitter.com/n8GPkOc49S

— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 15, 2025

I feel so privileged to have worked with & known Robert Walls. The epitome of a beautiful man. I saw him just a couple of weeks ago near the MCG and the last thing he said to me “I loved our radio days. They were great times.” They certainly were, Wallsy.

Rest in Peace my friend

— Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes) May 15, 2025

Walls is survived by three children and his partner Julie.

-with AAP.

If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline — 13 11 14; MensLine Australia — 1300 789 978; BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800.