Australian football icon Robert Walls has passed away at the age of 74, following a long fight with cancer and his decision to use voluntary assisted dying laws in Victoria.
He’s Known for his deep ties to the Carlton Football Club and a lifelong dedication to the game, Walls died on Thursday morning in his Melbourne home, surrounded by family.
Walls had been living with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer, since his diagnosis in 2023. After spending over 250 nights in hospital in the past two years, he made the choice to end his life in accordance with Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying legislation, which allows terminally ill patients to die on their own terms with medical approval.
Born in Victoria, Walls rose to fame as a key figure in the Australian Football League. He played over 200 games for Carlton, securing three premierships as a player in 1968, 1970, and 1972. His legacy grew further when he returned to coach the team, leading them to another premiership in 1987. He later coached the Brisbane Lions and Richmond Tigers before retiring in 1997 and moving into media as a respected commentator.
Walls’ death marks the end of a remarkable journey in football that spanned decades. His family described him as a man who gave everything to the game, serving as a player, coach, commentator, and passionate fan. In their statement, they shared that he “did it his way,” choosing to bring an end to his illness on his own terms.
Carlton Football Club paid tribute to him on social media, calling him “one of our game’s great servants.” The tribute reflects the deep admiration held for Walls within the AFL community and beyond.
Walls was also a devoted family man. He lost his wife Erin to cancer in 2006. He is survived by his three children and his partner, Julie.
His death not only leaves a void in Australian football but also brings renewed attention to the choices available to those facing terminal illness in Victoria, where assisted dying laws have been in place since 2019.
Robert Walls’ legacy in AFL remains unforgettable—a man who shaped the sport, gave everything to it, and left on his own terms with grace and dignity.