Former West Coast Eagles star Adam Selwood has shared his heartbreak over the loss of his twin brother, Troy, who passed away in February at the age of 40. The tragic news shook the AFL community, leaving current and former players in deep mourning.
Adam recalled the devastating moment he received the news during a late-night phone call from his younger brother, Joel, a Geelong Cats legend. Speaking to Channel Nine, Adam described it as “the worst phone call you could ever imagine,” realizing instantly that something was terribly wrong when he saw the time of the call. “You always have that lingering fear that a day like this could come,” he admitted.
Troy, who played for the Brisbane Lions, had an accomplished career, having been selected as the 19th pick in the 2002 AFL draft. Over the course of seven seasons, he made 75 appearances before being delisted at the end of 2010. Beyond football, he was known for his resilience and commitment to speaking openly about his struggles, ensuring he received the care and support he needed.
Following his brother’s passing, Adam has found purpose in honoring Troy’s memory. He is preparing to participate in the HBF Run For A Reason half-marathon, with the goal of raising $10,000 for zero2hero, a charity dedicated to supporting young people facing mental health challenges. The organization strives to create safe spaces and empower young leaders to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Reflecting on his brother’s impact, Adam believes Troy’s openness about mental health has already saved lives. “Knowing that his story has encouraged others to speak up gives me strength,” he said. While coping with the overwhelming loss, he finds solace in their shared love for running. “Troy and I always ran together growing up—it brought us happiness. Now, putting my running shoes back on helps me feel connected to him every day.”
Adam fondly recalled how Troy’s determination was evident even in their runs. “No matter how much we ran together, in the last kilometer or two, he’d push ahead—just to remind me who the older brother was,” he said with a smile. The bond they shared extended beyond the field and track, providing a constant source of support. “In tough moments, whether it was dealing with setbacks at the Eagles or life’s challenges, Troy was always the first person I called. We just needed to hear each other’s voices.”
Their last memories together included celebrating their 40th birthdays in Bali, enjoying the ocean and each other’s company. “He was supposed to make it past 40. We were supposed to have more Christmases together. Those last 12 months mean everything to me,” Adam said, holding onto the precious time they shared.
The HBF Run For A Reason is set to take place on Sunday, May 25, as Adam continues to run not just for himself, but in memory of the twin brother who meant so much to him.