‘He’ll be missed by so many’: AFL star Troy Selwood remembered in emotional memorial service

The family of late AFL star Troy Selwood have fought back tears as they gathered alongside the AFL community in a moving memorial service.

The former Brisbane Lions star sadly passed away at the age of 40 on Tuesday, February 4, leaving his loved ones and the AFL community in mourning.

Troy’s family announced his passing in a statement in which they reflected on the “joy and light” he brought to those close to him.

During a moving memorial service at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium on Friday, February 14, he was fondly remembered by family, friends, and fellow football stars.

Troy’s identical twin Adam described his brother as a “built-in best mate” while delivering a heartbreaking eulogy.

“Having an identical twin is both a rare privilege and wonderfully complex,” the West Coast premiership player said.

“A twin is more than a sibling, they are a constant presence, a built-in best mate and someone who understands you in a way that no-one ever could.

“Troy wasn’t just my brother; he was my mirror, my fiercest competitor, my greatest ally and the one person that knew what I was always thinking.

“Losing him has left a massive hole in my life.

“But in time, I know it will be filled with a different presence that will be just as special to me as I continue to move through life as his twin brother.”

Younger brothers Scott and Joel spoke of the family’s pain following Troy’s passing and how he will “be missed by so many”.

“He was dealt some pretty tough cards over his lifetime,” Geelong premiership star Joel said.

“Some he found a way to deal with, but sadly there were others, no matter how hard he tried, he could never fully control – and he did try.

“He tried so hard. He put up a hell of a fight for mum and dad, for his kids, for his brothers, for his friends and for others that are fighting the same fight, just as he was.

“He fought for all of us. He wanted to keep fighting, as he always did in life, but in the end he simply couldn’t lift his arms to throw another punch back.

“He’ll be missed by so many.”

In addition to moving words from his brothers, Troy’s parents, Maree and Bryce, read a poem and prayer during the service.

Born on May 1, 1984, Selwood’s AFL journey began when he was drafted by the Brisbane Lions with the 19th pick in the 2002 AFL Draft from Sandhurst.

After spending the 2003 and 2004 seasons on the sidelines, he made his debut for the Lions in Round 1, 2005, wearing the number 28 guernsey against St Kilda. Between 2005 and 2010, Selwood played 75 games for the Lions.

After being delisted by Brisbane at the end of 2010, Selwood joined his brothers Joel and later Scott at Geelong, playing for their VFL team. He led the Cats to a VFL premiership in 2012 and continued to play the following year, before retiring after a loss in the 2013 VFL Grand Final.

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-with AAP.