Joel Selwood pays tribute to brother Adam after his passing on Saturday

Heartbroken AFL legend Joel Selwood has posted a poignant message to brother Adam — who died at the weekend — to “look after” Adam’s twin Troy, who died by suicide three months ago.

The Geelong great took to Instagram on Wednesday evening posting, “Rest up, love you brother. Look after each other.”

Adam, 41, died in Herdsman on Saturday, just three months after the death of his identical twin brother, Troy.

Adam played 187 games for the West Coast Eagles across decorated decade-long career from 2003 to 2013, including the 2006 premiership against Sydney.

Joel’s tribute was accompanied by a photograph of the four Selwood brothers, Scott, Adam, Joel and Troy in the changerooms after a Geelong match.

A third photo showed three of the brothers enjoying a moment in the kitchen.

The AFL released a statement on Saturday, attributed to the Selwood family, saying “words cannot express the grief and sadness we feel”.

“Adam was a loving husband, and an incredible father to Lenny and Billie,” the statement reads.

“We are devastated to lose such a wonderful husband, father, son and brother.

“We will miss Adam deeply—his spirit, his kindness, and the joy he brought to every room. His determination, the lessons he shared, and his infectious personality will stay with us always.

“Adam had a unique ability to make people feel special, and our family was lucky to experience that every day.

“We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult time.”

Former Hawthorn and West Coast Eagles star Xavier Ellis said he wanted to use his platform to raise awareness about men’s mental health.

“Waking up on Saturday to some missed calls and learning about the mental health tragedy of a friend of mine, Adam Selwood,” he told his radio show, Triple M Breakfast with Xav and Katie, on Wednesday.

“It’s so easy to deflect a question ‘are you OK?’

“It’s time to grab a scalpel and really dissect the person you’re asking.

“You’d rather be a persistent pain in the ass than a shallow ass who’s just moved on and you’ve ticked the box.

“So if you have got someone you’re concerned about, you’ve got to grab that life jacket and jump in the water with them because they’re drowning inside.

“I guarantee there’s someone in your friendship group that is in a way of struggle.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the “industry would unite to support the Selwood family”.

“Adam was a dearly loved son, brother, husband and father, and his loss is a tremendous blow for all who loved him,” he said.

“On behalf of the AFL and all of our clubs, I want to send our love to his wife Fiona and their two children, to Maree and Bryce Selwood, Joel and Scott, and their families, and all of Adam’s many friends and colleagues and past team mates at West Coast and across football.

Camera Icon Joel Selwood’s tribute to brother Adam Selwood. Credit: Instagram / supplied

“Adam was a premiership player and outstanding contributor to the game at the highest level, and then, latterly, continued to work in the game in coaching and other roles, but first and foremost, he was a young man who gave so much time and love to those around him.”

Eagles premiership captain Chris Judd penned a heartbreaking tribute on Monday, describing Adam as “the perfect teammate”.

“You knew you were getting his everything each week on the field while being completely focused on the team,” he wrote.

“While off the field his personality blended a hard edge with kindness and compassion, a kindness he gave to everyone else but not himself.

“I hope he’s up having a beer with Troy, with the sun shining on them both (with low levels of UV), and when he takes the field, I hope the forwards aren’t trying to get goal side anymore and that the new teammates love playing with you as much as we did.

“Rest easy.”

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