Latest news with #ErinWalls
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Footy icon Robert Walls sends a message from beyond the grave that even shocked his own family as a who's who of the AFL mourn him at memorial service
Robert Walls, one of the most versatile football people in VFL/ AFL history, has been remembered as a devoted family man and an inspiring teacher. Known for being a star player, a premiership-winning coach and a fearless media performer across more than 40 years, Walls's biggest impact arguably came at home. The Australian Football Hall Of Fame member was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and died, aged 74, on May 15, after using Victoria's assisted dying laws to end his life. Walls died 19 years after his beloved wife Erin - the mother to his children Rebecca, David and Daniel - lost her own battle with cancer. He was buried next to Erin, with one of his eight grandchildren, Ella, also nearby. More than 600 mourners, a large percentage of them Australian football royalty, paid their respects to Walls in a moving service held in the MCG members' dining room on Thursday. Eight speakers across almost 90 minutes covered his influence on family, playing, coaching and commentary, with love, humour and affection. But it was Walls who had the final word, as MC Stephen Gough read out a four-minute message the Carlton icon had penned before his death for the specific purpose of being read out at his funeral. Not even any of his family knew a note from beyond the grave was coming. 'I want you to remember the good times - of which there were plenty,' Walls, who was also a respected classroom teacher, had written. 'I indeed have had a fortunate life.' Walls signed off with: 'Enough from me; goodbye, best wishes and be kind to each other, Wallsy'. Often his 'own toughest critic', Walls would regularly pass on his match payments at Carlton to his older sister Annette, who travelled with him to a game, if he felt he hadn't played well. But the 'boy from Brunswick' had lots of good days, playing in Carlton's 1968, '70 and '72 premiership teams during a 218-game career at the Blues. Walls finished his decorated playing career at Fitzroy, where he also began his illustrious coaching journey in 1981. Rebecca, his eldest daughter, described Walls as a caring and loving father. 'I know a lot of you here see dad as a tough, hard man, but really he was a big softie, who was a wonderful girl dad,' she said. Gough covered Walls's Carlton days, first as a player and then as a coach when he led the club to the 1987 premiership. Scott Clayton, who has become a veteran list manager, played under Walls at Fitzroy, and then worked with him at the Brisbane Bears. 'Along with family, Robert's had the greatest influence on my life,' Clayton said. Michael McLean told of Walls showing faith in him at the Bears, after being axed by Footscray. Nicknamed 'Magic', McLean broke down at the end of his speech. Walls' son Daniel spoke about his father at the emotional service 'He never called me 'Magic', he always called me Mick,' he said through tears. 'Then he got out of his sick bed, came up and inducted me in the (Brisbane Lions) Hall of Fame (in 2023), and introduced me as 'Magic'.' Speakers were given a five-minute warning, in reference to the countdown clock the Ten Network used for their football coverage between 2002-11. Walls was no fan of the warning that kept viewers, and even commentators, in suspense late in matches. David Barham, who produced Ten's coverage, called Walls the leader of their team who 'set the standard for expert commentators'. Barham recalled Walls's spray to Meatloaf before the American star's infamous, trainwreck of a performance at the 2011 AFL grand final. Word got around the MCG that Meatloaf would cancel his performance due to poor weather, so Walls decided to take aim at him live on-air. '... (It) finished with my personal favourite: 'Just tell the Big Loaf, to harden up and get out there,' Barham said.
ABC News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
AFL giant Robert Walls remembered at moving MCG funeral service
Robert Walls, one of the most prominent figures in VFL/AFL history, has been remembered as a devoted family man and an inspiring teacher. Known for being a star player, premiership-winning coach and fearless media performer across more than 40 years, Walls's most significant impact came at home. The Australian Football Hall Of Fame member was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and died aged 74 on May 15 after using Victoria's assisted dying laws to end his life. Walls died 19 years after his beloved wife Erin — the mother to his children Rebecca, David and Daniel — lost her battle with cancer. He was buried next to Erin, with one of his eight grandchildren, Ella, also nearby. More than 600 mourners, a large percentage of them Australian football royalty, paid their respects to Walls in a moving service held in the MCG members' dining room on Thursday. Eight speakers across almost 90 minutes covered his influence on family, playing, coaching and commentary, with love, humour and affection. But it was Walls who had the final word. MC Stephen Gough read out a four-minute message the Carlton icon had penned before his death for the specific purpose of being read out at his funeral. Not even any of his family knew the note was coming. "I want you to remember the good times — of which there were plenty," Walls, who was also a respected classroom teacher, had written. "I indeed have had a fortunate life." Walls signed off with: "Enough from me; goodbye, best wishes and be kind to each other, Wallsy". Often his "own toughest critic", Walls would regularly pass on his match payments at Carlton to his older sister Annette, if he felt he had not played well. But the "boy from Brunswick" had lots of good days, playing in Carlton's 1968, 1970 and 1972 premiership teams during a 218-match career at the Blues. Walls finished his decorated playing career at Fitzroy, where he also began his illustrious coaching journey in 1981. Rebecca, his eldest daughter, described Walls as a caring and loving father. "I know a lot of you here see dad as a tough, hard man, but really he was a big softie, who was a wonderful girl dad," she said. Gough covered Walls's Carlton days, first as a player and then as a coach when he led the club to the 1987 premiership. Scott Clayton, who has become a veteran list manager, played under Walls at Fitzroy, and then worked with him at the Brisbane Bears. "Along with family, Robert has had the greatest influence on my life," Clayton said. Michael McLean told of Walls showing faith in him at the Bears after being axed by Footscray. Nicknamed 'Magic', McLean broke down at the end of his speech. "He never called me 'Magic', he always called me Mick," he said through tears. "Then he got out of his sick bed, came up and inducted me in the (Brisbane Lions) Hall of Fame (in 2023), and introduced me as 'Magic'." Speakers were given a five-minute warning, in reference to the countdown clock the Ten Network used for their football coverage between 2002-11. Walls was no fan of the warning that kept viewers, and even commentators, in suspense late in matches. David Barham, who produced Ten's coverage, called Walls the leader of their team who "set the standard for expert commentators". Barham recalled Walls's criticism of Meatloaf before the American star's infamous performance at the 2011 AFL grand final. Word spread at the MCG Meatloaf would cancel his performance due to poor weather, so Walls decided to take aim at him live on-air. "Just tell the Big Loaf to harden up and get out there," Barham recounted Walls saying at the time. "Suffice to say, had it not been for Wallsy, we may not have the Meatloaf memory, something we have all enjoyed talking about for more than a decade." AAP
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Footy legend Robert Walls' family reveal intimate details of his last moments as he chose to end his life when rare and deadly disease returned
Robert Walls' son has revealed the footy icon's final moments weren't marked by sadness, but by strength and love – exactly how his children say he wanted to go. The Carlton legend died peacefully at home on Thursday, aged 74, after choosing to end his life by drinking a lethal substance under Victoria's Voluntary Assisted Dying laws. His children, David, Daniel and Rebecca, were by his side, along with his sister Annette, former partner Julie, and beloved dog Lily. David Walls said his father had faced his death with remarkable composure. 'He skipped down the hallway like he was running through the banner,' he told News Corp. 'He was ready. He said, 'I've had a great life... but it's enough.' Walls had spent more than 250 days in hospital since being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2023. When the cancer returned after a short remission, he decided not to endure another round of chemotherapy. 'He didn't want to keep fighting something he knew he couldn't beat,' David said. 'He'd seen what cancer did to Mum, and he didn't want that to be his story too.' Erin Walls, his wife of many years, died in 2006 from lung cancer. Her death left a lasting mark on the footy great, who had cared for her during her final days. 'He did an enormous job,' David said. 'I think that experience really influenced his decision.' In his final weeks, Walls called friends, teammates and former players to say goodbye. 'He was taking calls constantly,' David said. 'So many people reached out. It makes you proud of the football community – past players, opponents, coaches – all showing care and respect.' Walls made it clear to his children that he didn't want publicity before his death. He wanted time with his family and the chance to go quietly, in control of the moment. Walls was extremely well known in the AFL world, but did not want his passing to be publicised before he went 'He jumped through all the hoops, saw the doctors, and got the green light,' David said. 'He knew exactly what he was doing.' The family spent his final night together, sharing dinner and memories with his grandchildren. 'There was laughter,' David said. 'It was warm, and it was what he wanted – surrounded by people who loved him.' Julie, though no longer his partner, remained a constant in his life. 'They weren't together anymore,' David said. 'But they'd known each other for 18 years. She's been a good companion.' David also said his father had become deeply reflective over the last few months. 'He kept saying how grateful he was – for the life he lived, the people he knew, the places he travelled. He never complained,' he said. Walls' illness began with chest and rib pain, which he assumed was just old football wear and tear. But one day, during a routine walk with his dog, he couldn't continue. 'He only lasted 10 minutes,' David said. 'That's when he knew something wasn't right.' He was diagnosed days later. Doctors initially gave him three months to live, but Walls defied expectations. He fought for nearly two years. 'He did it for the grandkids,' David said. 'That was his reason to keep going. He loved being around them.' Before his death, Walls donated all four of his premiership medals – from 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1987 – to Carlton, where they now sit proudly at IKON Park. 'He wanted them to be with the club,' David said. 'That was his football home.' Tributes have poured in. Paul Roos flew from Hawaii to visit. Former players and coaches reached out with stories and memories. 'Some said he was the hardest bloke they ever played under,' David laughed. 'But they were grateful. They knew he meant it, and they respected that.' Walls spent his final days reflecting on what mattered most – his family. 'He wasn't scared,' David said. 'He had made peace with everything. He told us he felt lucky.' Carlton great Stephen Kernahan described Walls as a mentor and friend. 'He was hard – but I loved that about him,' Kernahan said. 'He was a visionary. I'm shattered I won't see him again.' Michael Voss, who played under Walls at the Brisbane Bears, said: 'He drove me to get the best out of myself. He accepted nothing less than your best. He'll be missed.' The AFL will honour Walls' contribution with a celebration of life at the MCG. Brisbane will wear black armbands in tribute.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
How cancer devastated footy legend Robert Walls' family before he chose to end his life when the killer disease struck him once again
Carlton great Robert Walls has been hailed throughout the AFL world and wider Australian community as a generous, humble individual and one of the greats to ever play and coach Australian rules football. On Thursday, it was announced that the 74-year-old footy great who had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer had chosen to end his life using Victoria's voluntary assisted dying laws. Walls has a reputation as a straight talker and someone who took a no-nonsense approach to his footy, and back in 2024, revealed the devastating impact cancer has had on his family. In 2006 his wife Erin sadly died from lung cancer, while his sister and his nephew have also suffered from the horrible illness. But he didn't want people to feel sorry for him. 'If I were to die tomorrow, I'd say how fortunate I've been,' the footy great told The Herald Sun. 'No 'woe is me' at all. My sister's had cancer, her husband had cancer, their little boy, when he was four had cancer and lost his arm. 'He's now 35 or 36 and a strapping big guy. How tough's that? 'My wife passed away at 55. Shit, I'm in my 70s, I've got nothing to complain about, nothing at all.' Walls also recounted his first diagnosis, revealing again that he felt lucky to have enjoyed the life that he had. 'I just thought I've had a wonderful life. I'm 73, and Erin passed away 18 years ago. 'She never saw the grandkids grow up. I've got seven grandkids, the oldest is Tara, 19, and the youngest is Daisy, 5, and the others are in between, and I've seen them grow up and I want to see more of that.' Walls enjoyed a decorated career in professional football. He would play 218 games for Carlton between 1967 and 1978 before joining Fitzroy. During that time, he would score a whopping 444 goals for both Carlton and Fitzroy, with the half-forward hanging up his boots in 1980. He'd later go into coaching and would replace Bill Stephen as Fitzroy's senior coach in 1981 before moving to Carlton five years later. Spells at Brisbane and Richmond would also follow before he stepped back from coaching, having overseen Victoria's last-ever non-charity representative game. 'Robert did it his way and chose to end a fight that had seen him spend more than 250 nights in hospital during the past two years,' the AFL said in a statement. 'His son David, speaking on behalf of sister Rebecca and brother Daniel, confirmed the Carlton, Fitzroy and Brisbane great and grandfather to seven had passed away peacefully in his unit overlooking the MCG. 'Having spent the last couple of weeks tidying up his affairs and catching up with family and close friends, he chose that over more and more hospital visits for treatment.' Tributes have been pouring in for the humble footy great, with Carlton hailing him as a 'remarkable person' and for his 'extraordinary courage'. '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,'' the club said. 'As he said: 'I've had a wonderful life'.' One of his great mates, Paul Roos, has also paid a heartfelt tribute to the Carlton great. During the fledgling years of his career, Roos played under Walls just after the former Carlton star inherited the senior coaching role in the '80s. The former Sydney Swans boss revealed that he had been to visit Walls in recent months and lifted the lid on what the pair spoke about, adding that he was 'thankful' to have been able to say goodbye to his good friend. 'I'm really grateful,' Roos told ABC's AFL Daily on Thursday evening. 'I jumped on a plane and came back to see Robert specifically, and I'm forever grateful I got to spend a couple of hours with him. We spoke about footy, life, he gave me some advice and I made sure that he knew what a legacy he had left and thanked him for all that he'd done. 'It was an amazing conversation and one that I think that not many people have the chance to do. He was very pragmatic and he understood what he was doing so we spoke about all those sorts of things. 'But I'm grateful to be able to do that. 'I sat in the car and wrote some notes down in my iPhone - it was a pretty special moment.' Walls (right, pictured with matthew Kreuzer) was hailed by Paul Roos for his work in helping the former Sydney boss develop his skills in the fledgling years of his time at Fitzroy Roos added that he wanted to ensure the two-time Carlton leading goalkicker understood the impact that he had on many young players like himself during his coaching journey as well as the incredible legacy he was leaving behind. 'But one of the other things that I wanted to be clear with him [about] was whether he understood the legacy that he had left. 'He said: "I think I do." He was an amazing person in an era when Fitzroy was really struggling, and we obviously got to a certain level... but he was a significant person in all of our lives - those young players, who came to Fitzroy. 'I just wanted to be really clear with him on how important he was to so many people.' Opening up on what it was like to play under Roos, an Australian Football Hall of Famer, Roos described him as a 'tough' player and an 'innovative coach', something which he appreciated as a youngster rising through the ranks. 'He was tough and he was hard... My son last night asked me over dinner last night what were the main things he taught you? I said: "Feedback". 'The feedback that he gave me I knew came from his heart because he wanted me to get better. This morning I was thinking the discipline and hard work - we trained really hard. We had a really disciplined group of players and we got feedback from my coach. 'That's who he was, he was very pragmatic, matter of fact and I really appreciated that.' Walls enjoyed a decorated career in professional football. He would play 218 games for Carlton between 1967 and 1978 before joining Fitzroy. During that time, he would score a whopping 444 goals for both Carlton and Fitzroy, with the half-forward hanging up his boots in 1980 Stephen Kernahan echoed those comments, adding that he pushed the key forward to his potential. 'I'd do anything for him. He was a hard man, but I loved that hardness in him,' Kernahan said. 'He was also ahead of his time, a real visionary.
The Guardian
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Carlton, Fitzroy and Brisbane great Robert Walls did it his way – in life and in death
The Walls family statement was succinct: 'Robert did it his way and chose to end a fight that had seen him spend more than 250 nights in hospital in the past two years.' He always did it his way. But there were other influences that shaped the way he played, the way he coached, the way he lived and ultimately, the way he died. It was the uncompromising ways of Ron Barassi. It was the imperial Carlton of the 1970s. It was the pitiless, often violent sport of that era. It was the wretched death of his wife, Erin, who succumbed to lung cancer in 2006. It was the Brunswick he grew up in. It was the French village he retired to. As a 15-year-old, he was gawky, gangly and nervous as hell as he rode his bike to training at Princes Park. But he had good timing. It was the summer of 1966 and Carlton was poised to be a powerhouse. Ron Barassi – much like Walls himself as a coach later on – was not a man to be trifled with. He demanded perfection and total commitment. He had some of the greatest footballers of the generation at his disposal. But he also had young players like Walls – players who were malleable, who would run through brick walls for him and who could be relied upon on the big stage. Walls had a wonderful playing career at Carlton. At the age of 16, he booted a goal with his first kick. He ended up playing in three premierships, and captained the club. After being well held in the first half of the 1970 grand final, he played a key role in one of the most famous games ever played. He was wiry, wily, and tough. As a coach, initially at Fitzroy, he was a mirror of Barassi in two ways – he was uncompromising in what he expected from his players, and he was an innovator. He was the architect behind 'the huddle' from kick outs, eschewing bombing to the same ruckman every time play stopped. The club didn't have a hook to hang itself on, but it was rich in talent and spirit. They played in finals three of the five years he was there, and they were desperately unlucky in several of them. His old club came calling. By then, John Elliott was one of the most powerful men in football, and touted as a future prime minister. Walls had a lot more to play with than he did at Fitzroy. He had Steve Kernahan, one of the best leaders and forwards in the country, a host of crack recruits from South Australia and a band of willing goers from Carlton's metropolitan and country zones. In 1987, in stifling heat, his Blues ran all over the top of the beaten-up Hawks. A few weeks later, in the infamous Battle of Britain, the exhibition game degenerated into a farce, a flurry of fists. Afterwards, he lashed out at Elliot in the rooms. It was that moment, he said, that he knew his cards were stamped at Carlton. It was made official about 18 months later, on a dim day at Princes Park, when Warwick Capper, who'd done bugger all at Brisbane and who hadn't kicked over 35 metres in 10 years, nailed a last-minute shot from outside 50. Elliot, who was in Portugal, sacked Walls the next day. At the Brisbane Bears, he walked into a club in complete disarray. The club had been run by complete charlatans. Prior to games, he often walked on the beach at Surfers Paradise, handing out free tickets. But he quickly shipped the playing list into shape. These days, if you said some of the things he said, or copied some of his training methods, you'd probably have the police at your door. He refused to accept mediocrity, or half measures. His training sessions and his sprays were ferocious. He made Shane Strempel, a less than professional player partial to a night out and a sneaky dart, stand in a makeshift boxing ring and be pounded by his teammates. Significantly, several of the players he coached at Brisbane went on to be successful senior coaches themselves. They all later reflected on the influence Walls had on their playing and coaching careers – on the discipline he instilled and on the standards he implemented. The careers of Michael Voss, Chris Scott, Craig McRae, Nathan Buckley and Justin Leppitsch all owe a lot to the teachings of Robert Walls. Sign up to From the Pocket: AFL Weekly Jonathan Horn brings expert analysis on the week's biggest AFL stories after newsletter promotion At Richmond in 1996 and 1997, he coached a typical Tigers team of that era – talented and passionately supported but perennially on the fringes of making finals. The club was riven by factional turmoil and Walls was not a man suited to that. He slotted seamlessly into commentary, where he was a stern but fair observer, with a good eye for tactics and an even keener eye for shirkers and squibs. Heaven help the young footballer who dropped his head or pulled out of a contest when Robert Walls was on special comments. Walls battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia since being diagnosed in September 2023. When it returned, he chose voluntary assisted dying over a second cancer fight. He had seen the horrific toll cancer took on his wife. On Thursday, he was universally remembered as a teacher and a competitor, a hard man but a fair man, a man much loved, much feared and dearly missed.
