AFL Mourns Robert Walls, Carlton Legend, Who Passed Away at 74

The AFL community is mourning the loss of Robert Walls, a former player, coach, and media personality who died at age 74 on Thursday. Walls passed away at his home in East Melbourne after choosing voluntary assisted dying due to a return of blood cancer.

Walls was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2023. After the cancer returned, he decided not to go through another round of chemotherapy. He was surrounded by his children Rebecca, Daniel, and David, as well as his partner Julie, when he passed away, with a doctor present to support him.

His wife Erin had previously battled cancer for many years before passing in 2006. This experience influenced his decision to opt for voluntary assisted dying instead of further treatment.

Despite his diagnosis, Walls expressed gratitude for his life and the time he spent with his family. He had seven grandchildren and had witnessed many of them grow up, unlike his late wife who never saw their grandchildren.

Walls was a significant figure in Australian football. He played 259 games for Carlton and Fitzroy from 1967 to 1980. He was part of Carlton’s premiership-winning teams in 1968, 1970, and 1972. Later, he coached Carlton to the 1987 premiership and also coached Brisbane and Richmond.

He was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame shortly before his wife’s death. After retiring from coaching, Walls became a well-respected AFL commentator and held various media roles.

Walls also helped shape the Brisbane Lions’ success in the early 2000s by mentoring key players who went on to win three consecutive premierships from 2001 to 2003.

The AFL released a statement acknowledging Walls’ important contributions to football across several clubs and announced a celebration at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the coming weeks.

Many in the AFL world expressed their condolences and remembered Walls for his kindness, courage, and dedication to the sport.

Robert Walls leaves behind a strong legacy as a player, coach, mentor, and media figure. His impact on Australian football and the community will be remembered for years to come.