Joel Selwood expresses gratitude to the AFL community following ‘the hardest two weeks’ of mourning for brother Troy Selwood

Geelong icon Joel Selwood has shared heartfelt messages on behalf of his family, just days after bidding a poignant farewell to their beloved brother and son, Troy.

The Selwood family commemorated Troy at a crowded GMHBA Stadium last Friday, following the tragic news of his passing two weeks prior at the age of 40.

Troy, who played 75 matches for the Brisbane Lions and captained the 2012 Geelong VFL premiership team, was remembered by hundreds of mourners, including friends and former teammates from both clubs, as well as from Geelong Grammar, who attended his funeral.

“The last fortnight has been one of the most challenging periods we’ve endured as a family,” Joel posted on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon.

“Nonetheless, we are immensely thankful for the incredible outpouring of love and support from all those whose lives were touched by Troy.”

“Although we feel a profound sadness, we take solace in knowing that he has found peace.”

“Thank you for your unwavering support during this challenging time.”

“With love, The Selwoods.”

Accompanying these heartfelt words was a poignant image of Joel, his wife Brit, mother Maree, father Bryce, brothers Adam and Scott, along with their partners Fiona and Morgan, united in grief as Troy’s hearse passed by Kardinia Park.

All three of Troy’s brothers, including twins Adam, Joel, and Scott, could be seen shedding tears as they shared cherished memories of their younger days and football journeys with Troy last week.

Joel spoke fondly of Troy’s passion for both “family and footy”, noting how intertwined these passions were, especially recalling Troy’s special bond with late Cats trainer Vic Fuller.

“Family and footy were everything to him; they often blended into one,” Joel remarked at Troy’s funeral.

“During Troy’s role as VFL manager, he and Vic would often make the drive to matches together, engaging in deep conversations with hardly a pause.”

“I like to think of them together now. Vic would have been there, waiting at the gates for him.”

“He’d have said, ‘What on earth are you doing here so early?’. They would have embraced, started a conversation, and it would have been continuous.”

Troy’s mother Maree recited a moving poem through her tears, while Adam referred to Troy as his “reflection, fiercest challenger, and built-in best mate”.

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