Former Geelong AFL star Joel Selwood shared an emotional message after the death of his brother Troy Selwood, who died at the age of 40 after a long fight for mental health.
Troy played 75 games for the Brisbane Lions between 2003 and 2010, before becoming deputy coach of Geelong where his brother Joel was a winning captain.
Friends, family and former teammates – including a crowd of geelong cat players – gathered last week to remember the beloved husband, father and footballer.
Tuesday evening, Joel published a photo of the family hand in hand.
“The last two weeks have been among the most difficult we have met as a family,” Joel wrote on Instagram.
“However, we are really grateful for the overwhelming love and support of so many people who have been affected by the death of Troy.
Joel Selwood (left) shared a touching message after the death of his brother Troy
Thousands of dear beings and members of the AFL Footy community attended the Troy funeral last week
“While our hearts are heavy, we find comforting to know that he is now at peace. Thank you for staying at our doors during this difficult period.
“I love saltwoods.
The death of Troy Selwood aroused AFL calls to establish a mental health tour to raise awareness and support players who find it difficult to adapt to life after football.
AFL is open to exploring this possibility, recognizing the importance of solving mental health problems within the football community.
The former star of Carlton and Brisbane Lions, Brendan Fevola, was recently fell to his flight during his radio program, calling for more mental health support to players after having endured his own difficulties in his days of play.
“We see it all the time that players have mental health problems, and I just have the impression that the AFL is not equipped … or does not shed light on mental health for the men, “said Fevola.
“He doesn’t get talking enough … When I was doing problems, I never told anyone. I thought I was this big football player, I earn a little money, and if I said something, I thought people wouldn’t love me.
Troy Selwood (Center) played 75 AFL games for the Brisbane Lions between 2003 and 2010
Joel said that the last two weeks were the most difficult that his family had been confronted with
Tanya Hosch, head of inclusion and social policy, said that a theater tower to underline mental health was one of the many suggestions that we will continue to consider ”, and could be incorporated into the Annual game in memory of the former captain of St Kilda and popular Danny ‘Spud’ FRAWLEY.
“We have the game of Spud, which is a really important and extremely well supported game and something that St Kilda has … I’m sure we will continue to rely on this,” said Hosch.
For a 24 -hour confidential support in Australia, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or via Lifeline.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.