The son of Robert Walls revealed that the last moments of the football icon were not marked by sadness, but by force and love – exactly how his children say he wanted to go.
Carlton’s legend died peacefully at home Thursday at the age of 74, after choosing to end his life by drinking a deadly substance under Victoria voluntary voluntary laws.
His children, David, Daniel and Rebecca, were by his side, as well as his sister Annette, the former partner Julie and the beloved dog Lily.
David Walls said that his father had faced his death with remarkable calm. “He jumped into the corridor as if he was running in the banner,” he told News Corp.
“He was ready. He said, “I had a good life … but it’s enough.
The walls had spent more than 250 days in hospital since it was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2023. When cancer returned after a short remission, he decided not to bear another chemotherapy cycle.
AFL Great Robert Walls (photo with one of his sons) was surrounded by his children and his loved ones during his last moments
The walls had three months to live after receiving a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but fought for two years
The son of the Davis walls, who works at Fremantle’s Dockers, said that his father knew it was time to go
“He didn’t want to continue fighting something he knew he couldn’t beat,” said David. “He had seen what the cancer had done to mom, and he didn’t want it to also be his story.
Erin Walls, his wife of several years, died in 2006 of lung cancer. Her death left a lasting brand on the Grand Footy, which had taken care of her during her last days.
“He did a huge job,” said David.
“I think this experience really influenced its decision.”
In the past few weeks, Walls has called friends, teammates and former players to say goodbye.
“He was constantly taking calls,” said David.
“So many people have stretched their hands. This makes you proud of the football community – former players, opponents, coaches – all showing care and respect.
The walls clearly told his children that he did not want advertising before his death. He wanted time with his family and the chance to go quietly, in control of the moment.
David revealed that the walls had taken the time to call his ties to say goodbye before passing
Walls was extremely well known in the AFL world, but did not want his death to be made public before leaving
“He jumped through all the hoops, saw the doctors and obtained the green light,” said David.
“He knew exactly what he was doing.
The family spent their last night together, sharing dinner and memories with their grandchildren.
“There were laughs,” said David.
“It’s hot, and that was what he wanted – surrounded by people who loved him.
Julie, although it is no longer her partner, has remained a constant in her life.
“They were no longer together,” said David.
“But they had known each other for 18 years. She was a good company.
The walls have turned off
Walls has disinterested all of his Prime Minister medals in Carlton to be posted in perpetuity
David also said that his father had become deeply thought out in recent months.
“He kept saying how grateful he was – for the life he lived, the people he knew, the places where he traveled. He never complained, “he said.
Walls’ disease started with chest and coast pain, which he said was only old football wear.
But one day, during a routine walk with his dog, he could not continue. “It only lasted 10 minutes,” said David.
“It was then that he knew something was wrong.”
It was diagnosed a few days later. Doctors initially gave him three months to live, but Walls challenged expectations. He fought for almost two years.
“He did it for grandchildren,” said David.
“It was his reason to continue. He liked to be with them.
Before his death, Walls donated his four Prime Minister medals – from 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1987 – to Carlton, where they are now proudly in Ikon Park.
“He wanted them to be with the club,” said David. “It was his football home.
Tributes flocked. Paul Roos stolen from Hawaii to visit. Former players and coaches contacted stories and memories.
“Some said he was the hardest guy in which they ever played,” said David. “But they were grateful. They knew he thought it, and they respected that.
The walls have spent his last days to think about what was most important – his family. “He was not afraid,” said David. “He had made peace with everything. He told us that he felt lucky.
Carlton Great Stephen Kernahan described the walls as a mentor and a friend. “It was hard – but I loved it about it,” said Kernahan.
“It was a visionary. I am broken, I will not see it again.
Michael Voss, who played under the walls at Brisbane Bears, said: “He led me to get the most out of me. He did not accept anything less than your best. We will miss.
AFL will honor the contribution of walls with a celebration of life at MCG. Brisbane will wear black armbands in homage.
