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AFL Great Robert Walls Dies Peacefully Under Voluntary Assisted Dying Laws

May 15, 2025 1:02 PM
AFL Icon Robert Walls Dies

AFL Icon Robert Walls Dies Peacefully Under Voluntary Assisted Dying Laws

AFL Icon Robert Walls has died at age 74, using voluntary assisted dying laws to end his long battle with cancer. The Carlton Football Club icon passed away on Thursday in Melbourne, surrounded by his children.

A Peaceful Ending with Family Nearby

Walls was diagnosed in 2023 with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. It’s a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. After more than 250 nights in hospital, he chose to die peacefully at home.

His family confirmed he passed away in his apartment, which overlooked the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This location held deep meaning, as it is known as the spiritual heart of Australian football.

A Career That Shaped the AFL

Walls played over 200 games for Carlton. He helped secure premierships in 1968, 1970, and 1972. As a coach, he added a fourth premiership in 1987 and later led the Brisbane Lions and Richmond Tigers.

After retiring in 1997, he spent 25 years in media as a respected AFL commentator. Carlton FC posted a tribute on X, calling him “one of our game’s great servants.”

Robert Walls Chose Voluntary Assisted Dying Laws

Victoria introduced voluntary assisted dying laws in 2019. These laws allow terminally ill patients to end their lives with medication, following approval from two doctors. Walls used this legal option to make a personal choice about his final moments.

“Robert did it his way,” his family said in a statement. “He chose to end a fight that had consumed more than two years of his life.”

A Life Remembered with Love and Respect

Walls lost his wife, Erin, to cancer in 2006. He is survived by his three children and partner, Julie. Loved ones and fans across the country continue to honour his legacy—both on and off the field.

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