Latest news with #AustralianFootballHallofFame
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Nick Riewoldt sets staggering first in Hall of Fame honour
Star Channel 7 commentators and football champions Nick Riewoldt, Luke Hodge and Erin Phillips have been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Phillips, one of the greatest AFLW players of all time, is the second woman to enter the Hall of Fame, while Riewoldt, quite remarkably, became the first No.1 draft pick to be inducted. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Nick Riewoldt inducted into Australian Football Hall of Fame. Riewoldt was eligible for the award two years ago but was unable to take part in the ceremony because he was living in the US. On Tuesday night in Melbourne, he was the first player at the event to be honoured with his overdue award. Riewoldt holds St Kilda's record for the most games as captain, with 221 of his 336 matches. Nick Riewoldt is the first No.1 draft pick to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Credit: Getty The key forward was a five-time All-Australian who went agonisingly close to a premiership, playing in St Kilda's draw and two losses across 2009-10. Riewoldt said he had made his peace with not being able to help the Saints win their elusive second flag 'Rather than feeling like I walked away with the game still owing me something, I walk away feeling like the game gave me absolutely everything,' he said. After he was taken with the No.1 draft pick in 2000, the Queenslander booted 718 goals for St Kilda. He was captain of the club in 2005 and from 2007-16, and was a six-time best-and-fairest winner. Veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson congratulated Riewoldt on his amazing career. 'There he is ... our Monday night (Agenda Setters) colleague, the 300-plus gamer,' Wilson said. 'He has just been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. There he is with his family. He's got two tables there. There he is with (AFL chair) Richard Goyder. Of course, inducted two years ago, but back in Australia and able to accept the award, the first No.1 draft pick to actually become elevated into the Hall of Fame.' Kane Cornes was staggered by that fact. 'That's amazing, isn't it?' Cornes said. 'What a career. Phillips is not only the second woman inducted, but becomes the first father-daughter combination. The Adelaide and Port Adelaide star was a marquee name when the AFLW started in 2017 and she joins women's pioneer Debbie Lee, who was inducted four years ago. Phillips paid an emotional tribute to her dad Greg, and Lee, who were at Tuesday's annual induction dinner in Melbourne, in her acceptance speech. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. 'To Dad, I can't imagine how hard it would have been to tell your 13-year-old daughter that she couldn't play the game she loves any more,' she said. 'And 27 years later, she's standing next to you in the Hall of Fame.' Phillips thanked the 'incredible women' who made the AFLW possible and singled out Lee. 'You kicked down this door so others could walk through,' she said. 'I'm so proud to be by your side and I can't wait to kick down more doors with you Deb.' Phillips ended her stellar playing career at the end of 2022. The five-year player eligibility rule for the Hall of Fame was changed for women last year. AFLW players can now be inducted within a year of retirement and she was an obvious candidate. Her father, Port Adelaide great Greg, was inducted in 2020. Fos and Mark Williams, Hayden Bunton Sr and Jr and umpires Jack McMurray Sr and Jr are the father-son inductees. Phillips was Adelaide's inaugural captain and the first women's best and fairest winner, playing in three Crows flags despite needing a knee reconstruction. She then switched to Port Adelaide when they joined the league in 2022. When the women's league started in 2017, marquee players such as Phillips were crucial for its profile and credibility. Phillips, a former WNBA and Australian basketballer, immediately established herself as one of the AFLW's elite players. Hodge, of course, is also a No.1 draft pick and had a glittering career with Hawthorn after he was taken with the first pick in the 2001 'Super draft'. AFL great and Seven commentator Luke Hodge has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Credit: Getty Images He played in four premierships with the Hawks and was captain of the club's 2013-15 three-peat. He is also a three-time All-Australian, a dual Norm Smith medallist (in the 2008 and 2014 grand finals), and a two-time best-and-fairest winner. After playing for Brisbane in 2018 and 2019, he retired after 346 games. Also on Tuesday night, South Australian goalkicking machine Ken Farmer was elevated to legend status. Farmer, who died in 1982, is the SANFL's most prolific goalkicker, with 1417 for North Adelaide from 1929-41 in 224 games at an extraordinary average of 6.33 per game. He was never goalless in a game and coached the Roosters to two premierships. Seven-time East Perth premiership player George Owens was this year's first historical inductee. Apart from his swathe of premierships at East Perth and the 1925 Sandover Medal, Owens also umpired five WAFL grand finals. - With AAP
7NEWS
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
St Kilda champion and star Seven commentator Nick Riewoldt sets staggering first in Australian Football Hall of Fame honour
Star Channel 7 commentators and football champions Nick Riewoldt, Luke Hodge and Erin Phillips have been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Phillips, one of the greatest AFLW players of all time, is the second woman to enter the Hall of Fame, while Riewoldt, quite remarkably, became the first No.1 draft pick to be inducted. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Nick Riewoldt inducted into Australian Football Hall of Fame. Riewoldt was eligible for the award two years ago but was unable to take part in the ceremony because he was living in the US. On Tuesday night in Melbourne, he was the first player at the event to be honoured with his overdue award. Riewoldt holds St Kilda's record for the most games as captain, with 221 of his 336 matches. The key forward was a five-time All-Australian who went agonisingly close to a premiership, playing in St Kilda's draw and two losses across 2009-10. Riewoldt said he had made his peace with not being able to help the Saints win their elusive second flag 'Rather than feeling like I walked away with the game still owing me something, I walk away feeling like the game gave me absolutely everything,' he said. After he was taken with the No.1 draft pick in 2000, the Queenslander booted 718 goals for St Kilda. He was captain of the club in 2005 and from 2007-16, and was a six-time best-and-fairest winner. Veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson congratulated Riewoldt on his amazing career. 'There he is ... our Monday night (Agenda Setters) colleague, the 300-plus gamer,' Wilson said. 'He has just been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. There he is with his family. He's got two tables there. There he is with (AFL chair) Richard Goyder. Of course, inducted two years ago, but back in Australia and able to accept the award, the first No.1 draft pick to actually become elevated into the Hall of Fame.' Kane Cornes was staggered by that fact. 'That's amazing, isn't it?' Cornes said. 'What a career. Phillips is not only the second woman inducted, but becomes the first father-daughter combination. The Adelaide and Port Adelaide star was a marquee name when the AFLW started in 2017 and she joins women's pioneer Debbie Lee, who was inducted four years ago. Phillips paid an emotional tribute to her dad Greg, and Lee, who were at Tuesday's annual induction dinner in Melbourne, in her acceptance speech. 'To Dad, I can't imagine how hard it would have been to tell your 13-year-old daughter that she couldn't play the game she loves any more,' she said. 'And 27 years later, she's standing next to you in the Hall of Fame.' Phillips thanked the 'incredible women' who made the AFLW possible and singled out Lee. 'You kicked down this door so others could walk through,' she said. 'I'm so proud to be by your side and I can't wait to kick down more doors with you Deb.' Phillips ended her stellar playing career at the end of 2022. The five-year player eligibility rule for the Hall of Fame was changed for women last year. AFLW players can now be inducted within a year of retirement and she was an obvious candidate. Her father, Port Adelaide great Greg, was inducted in 2020. Fos and Mark Williams, Hayden Bunton Sr and Jr and umpires Jack McMurray Sr and Jr are the father-son inductees. Phillips was Adelaide's inaugural captain and the first women's best and fairest winner, playing in three Crows flags despite needing a knee reconstruction. She then switched to Port Adelaide when they joined the league in 2022. When the women's league started in 2017, marquee players such as Phillips were crucial for its profile and credibility. Phillips, a former WNBA and Australian basketballer, immediately established herself as one of the AFLW's elite players. Also on Tuesday night, South Australian goalkicking machine Ken Farmer was elevated to legend status. Farmer, who died in 1982, is the SANFL's most prolific goalkicker, with 1417 for North Adelaide from 1929-41 in 224 games at an extraordinary average of 6.33 per game. He was never goalless in a game and coached the Roosters to two premierships. Seven-time East Perth premiership player George Owens was this year's first historical inductee. Apart from his swathe of premierships at East Perth and the 1925 Sandover Medal, Owens also umpired five WAFL grand finals.
Courier-Mail
15-05-2025
- Health
- Courier-Mail
Robert Walls death: AFL and Carlton legend dies aged 74 after battle with rare blood cancer, latest news
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The AFL world is in mourning following the death of triple premiership player, premiership coach, Australian Football Hall of Fame member and one of the most respected voices in the sport Robert Walls after a battle with a rare and aggressive blood cancer. The 74-year-old Australian Football Hall of Famer and Carlton Team of the Century member chose voluntary assisted dying, unwilling to undergo another round of brutal chemotherapy after briefly being in remission. He died at his East Melbourne home on Thursday, surrounded by loved ones including children Rebecca, Daniel and David and partner Julie. A doctor was also present. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The triple premiership winner and 1987 premiership coach had battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since being diagnosed just before the 2023 Grand Final. He had been in remission, but when the cancer returned in recent months, the Carlton legend decided against another round of chemotherapy, deciding to end his life by voluntary assisted dying. Friends of the AFL icon said the horrific toll of his wife Erin's long battle with cancer played a part in Walls' decision to end his life by voluntary assisted dying, as well as the intense pain he was in as a result of his own fight. Walls told his closest friends and family he had spent around 250 days in hospital in the last 18 months since his cancer diagnosis. Michael Voss and his first coach and mentor Robert Walls. Picture: Jake Nowakowski But despite all that Walls was said to be in good spirits in recent days and was at peace with his decision, according to Code Sports. A close friend of his said: 'It's incredible how strong he was, he was consoling me and others. 'He was taking calls non-stop from well wishers and had dozens of visits. He certainly knew how much he was loved.' × Before passing away, the Carlton legend called friends and former football associates and teammates to bid them farewell. He is understood to have made it clear that there was to be no publicity about his decision before his passing. Walls informed them on those calls that with the diminishing quality of life due to another round chemotherapy he would rather end his life on his terms. Since news of his death broke there has been an outpouring of grief from the Australian sporting world as people paid tribute to one of the AFL greats. Robert Walls chose to end his own life after a long battle with a rare blood cancer. (Photo by) 'Behind the gruff exterior of AFL… Robert Walls was a beautiful human being. Kind, generous, caring. In the end unbelievably courageous.,' Australian television presenter Stephen Quartermain wrote in a touching tribute on X. 'He loved his family dearly. I was proud to call him a friend and I'll miss him. Condolences to all those that loved him. Vale Rob.' Veteran journalist John Ralph wrote: 'Vale Robert Walls who passed away this morning after choosing not to go through another gruelling cancer fight. His family were there as he passed after a brave 20 month battle with a rare cancer. A coaching, playing and media legend.' The AFL offical page wrote: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of three-time Carlton premiership player, 1987 premiership coach and Australian Football Hall of Fame member Robert Walls.' And Collingwood great Tony Shaw wrote: 'Sad day with the passing of Rob Walls. A mentor,colleague and family man with unbending integrity. Right to the end he did it his way. Condolences to family and friends.' X After news of his passing spread, Carlton released a lengthy statement, labelling Walls 'ahead of his time' and a 'visionary'. 'The Carlton Football Club and the League football community are today mourning the passing, at the age of 74, of one of the game's great servants, Blues' three-time Premiership player and Premiership Coach Robert Walls,' Calton said in a statement on Thursday. 'Walls' tenure as a player and coach extended across four clubs, and as a respected commentator across television, radio and print, spanned some six decades. It was at Carlton that the AFL Life Member and Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee savoured his greatest individual and collective footballing moments. 'On-field, Walls was part of the drought-breaking Grand Final victory over Essendon in 1968, the incredible come-from-behind Grand Final triumph over Collingwood in 1970, and the winning Grand Final shootout with Richmond in 1972. 'Off-field as Senior Coach, he commandeered Stephen Kernahan and his players to Carlton's penultimate Premiership, when they prevailed in the heat against Hawthorn on Grand Final day in 1987. Carlton's Robert Walls marks on his chest. Robert Walls won three premierships as a player and one as a coach. '...Walls faced his final days with extraordinary courage and a remarkable perspective. He took time to reflect on a life well-lived and was able to share his farewells with the many players, officials and media representatives whom he had met along the way. As he said: 'I've had a wonderful life'.' Carlton Legend Stephen Kernahan also paid tribute to a person he deeply admired. 'When I came to Carlton, 'Wallsy' drove me to get the best out of myself, and I'd do anything for him,' Kernahan said. 'He was a hard man – but I loved that hardness in him. He was also ahead of his time, a real visionary. 'Wallsy was a great mentor and friend to me, and I'm shattered I'm not going to see him again.' Carlton also revealed just weeks ago he gave each of his four Premiership medallions and his Jack McHale Medal to the club to display in the front-of-house Museum at IKON Park. Need to talk to someone? Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help. Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or Headspace: 1800 650 890 or 13YARN: Speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter on 13 92 76 or visit Are you anxious? Take the Beyond Blue quiz to see how you're tracking and whether you could benefit from support Originally published as AFL and Carlton legend Robert Walls passes away, aged 74 after battle with rare blood cancer
Herald Sun
15-05-2025
- Health
- Herald Sun
Robert Walls death: AFL and Carlton legend dies aged 74 after battle with rare blood cancer, latest news
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. The AFL world is in mourning following the death of triple premiership player, premiership coach, Australian Football Hall of Fame member and one of the most respected voices in the sport Robert Walls after a battle with a rare and aggressive blood cancer. The 74-year-old Australian Football Hall of Famer and Carlton Team of the Century member chose voluntary assisted dying, unwilling to undergo another round of brutal chemotherapy after briefly being in remission. He died at his East Melbourne home on Thursday, surrounded by loved ones including children Rebecca, Daniel and David and partner Julie. A doctor was also present. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The triple premiership winner and 1987 premiership coach had battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since being diagnosed just before the 2023 Grand Final. He had been in remission, but when the cancer returned in recent months, the Carlton legend decided against another round of chemotherapy, deciding to end his life by voluntary assisted dying. Friends of the AFL icon said the horrific toll of his wife Erin's long battle with cancer played a part in Walls' decision to end his life by voluntary assisted dying, as well as the intense pain he was in as a result of his own fight. Walls told his closest friends and family he had spent around 250 days in hospital in the last 18 months since his cancer diagnosis. But despite all that Walls was said to be in good spirits in recent days and was at peace with his decision, according to Code Sports. A close friend of his said: 'It's incredible how strong he was, he was consoling me and others. 'He was taking calls non-stop from well wishers and had dozens of visits. He certainly knew how much he was loved.' Before passing away, the Carlton legend called friends and former football associates and teammates to bid them farewell. He is understood to have made it clear that there was to be no publicity about his decision before his passing. Walls informed them on those calls that with the diminishing quality of life due to another round chemotherapy he would rather end his life on his terms. Since news of his death broke there has been an outpouring of grief from the Australian sporting world as people paid tribute to one of the AFL greats. 'Behind the gruff exterior of AFL… Robert Walls was a beautiful human being. Kind, generous, caring. In the end unbelievably courageous.,' Australian television presenter Stephen Quartermain wrote in a touching tribute on X. 'He loved his family dearly. I was proud to call him a friend and I'll miss him. Condolences to all those that loved him. Vale Rob.' Veteran journalist John Ralph wrote: 'Vale Robert Walls who passed away this morning after choosing not to go through another gruelling cancer fight. His family were there as he passed after a brave 20 month battle with a rare cancer. A coaching, playing and media legend.' The AFL offical page wrote: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of three-time Carlton premiership player, 1987 premiership coach and Australian Football Hall of Fame member Robert Walls.' And Collingwood great Tony Shaw wrote: 'Sad day with the passing of Rob Walls. A mentor,colleague and family man with unbending integrity. Right to the end he did it his way. Condolences to family and friends.' After news of his passing spread, Carlton released a lengthy statement, labelling Walls 'ahead of his time' and a 'visionary'. 'The Carlton Football Club and the League football community are today mourning the passing, at the age of 74, of one of the game's great servants, Blues' three-time Premiership player and Premiership Coach Robert Walls,' Calton said in a statement on Thursday. 'Walls' tenure as a player and coach extended across four clubs, and as a respected commentator across television, radio and print, spanned some six decades. It was at Carlton that the AFL Life Member and Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee savoured his greatest individual and collective footballing moments. 'On-field, Walls was part of the drought-breaking Grand Final victory over Essendon in 1968, the incredible come-from-behind Grand Final triumph over Collingwood in 1970, and the winning Grand Final shootout with Richmond in 1972. 'Off-field as Senior Coach, he commandeered Stephen Kernahan and his players to Carlton's penultimate Premiership, when they prevailed in the heat against Hawthorn on Grand Final day in 1987. '...Walls faced his final days with extraordinary courage and a remarkable perspective. He took time to reflect on a life well-lived and was able to share his farewells with the many players, officials and media representatives whom he had met along the way. As he said: 'I've had a wonderful life'.' Carlton Legend Stephen Kernahan also paid tribute to a person he deeply admired. 'When I came to Carlton, 'Wallsy' drove me to get the best out of myself, and I'd do anything for him,' Kernahan said. 'He was a hard man – but I loved that hardness in him. He was also ahead of his time, a real visionary. 'Wallsy was a great mentor and friend to me, and I'm shattered I'm not going to see him again.' Carlton also revealed just weeks ago he gave each of his four Premiership medallions and his Jack McHale Medal to the club to display in the front-of-house Museum at IKON Park. Originally published as AFL and Carlton legend Robert Walls passes away, aged 74 after battle with rare blood cancer
