Former West Coast Player Adam Selwood Dies Aged 41, Spurs AFL Mental Health Calls

The recent death of former West Coast Eagles player Adam Selwood, who passed away at 41 just three months after the suicide of his identical twin brother Troy, has deeply impacted the AFL community and reignited urgent calls for enhanced mental health support within the league. Current and former players, including Jake Waterman and Brayden Ainsworth, have spoken openly about the emotional toll of these tragedies and the need for the AFL to implement a dedicated mental health round to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and fund real-world services. The West Coast Eagles paid tribute to Selwood with a minute's silence and highlights before a game shortly after his passing, while the playing group was given space to grieve. Data from the AFL Players’ Association reveals a sharp increase in former players seeking mental health support, underscoring the severity of the issue. Prominent voices such as Brendan Fevola and Bernie Vince have emphasized that the AFL must do more to address mental health challenges faced by players during and after their careers. The tragedy has amplified calls for the league to move beyond consideration and take decisive action in championing mental health across all levels of the sport.