AFL legend passes away after cancer battle

The Australian football community is in mourning following the death of one of its most revered figures, Robert Walls, who passed away peacefully on Thursday morning at the age of 74.

Walls died at his East Melbourne home, surrounded by his children Rebecca, Daniel and David, and partner Julie, after choosing to end his life through voluntary assisted dying. His decision followed a two-year battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare form of cancer he was diagnosed with in 2023.

A towering presence in the game both on and off the field, Walls was a Carlton legend, Australian Football Hall of Famer, and beloved figure whose impact stretched across generations of players, fans and fellow commentators.

Having endured over 250 nights in hospital during his fight, Walls made the difficult decision to forgo further rounds of chemotherapy in favour of spending his final weeks with loved ones. His family confirmed he spent his last days in peace, tidying up affairs and reconnecting with those closest to him.

“Having battled cancer for more than two years, Robert did it his way,” read a statement from the AFL on behalf of the Walls family. “His massive contribution to football at Carlton, Fitzroy, Brisbane and Richmond will be celebrated at the MCG in coming weeks.”

Walls’ experience with illness was shaped not only by his own diagnosis but by the heartbreak of losing his wife, Erin, to lung cancer just months after she had gone into remission. The grief and perspective from that loss influenced how he chose to approach his own battle.

“(The diagnosis) was a shock. I guess I thought ‘my turn’,” Walls said in an interview with 7NEWS last year.

Robert Walls’ football journey began as a 16-year-old prodigy debuting for Carlton in 1967. Over the next two decades, he would play more than 200 games and win three premierships with the Blues during a golden era. He later coached the club to premiership glory in 1987 – one of his most cherished achievements.

Walls also took the reins at Fitzroy, the Brisbane Bears, and Richmond, earning respect for his ability to rebuild struggling sides and mentor young players. At Brisbane, his groundwork helped lay the foundation for the Lions' historic premiership three-peat from 2001 to 2003. Among those he coached were future champions Michael Voss, Jason Akermanis and current AFL coaches Chris Scott and Craig McRae.

After retiring from coaching, Walls remained a steadfast presence in the game through a distinguished media career. A former schoolteacher, he brought insight and sharp analysis to Channel 7’s Talking Footy and penned a widely read column for The Age.

In 2011, he was elevated to Legend status at Carlton – an honour that spoke volumes about his legacy at the club. He was also recognised by the Brisbane Lions for his contributions to both Fitzroy and the Bears.

Even after stepping away from the spotlight, Walls remained devoted to the game. In 2019, he volunteered as a mentor to Carlton coach Brendon Bolton and his staff, offering guidance and support behind the scenes.

Walls’ passing comes just days after the football world farewelled another Carlton favourite, Peter Bosustow, who died aged 67 following his own cancer battle.

As the AFL community reflects on the life of Robert Walls, tributes continue to pour in for a man whose life was inseparable from the game he loved.

He is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren. A public celebration of his life and football legacy will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the coming weeks.

Images: Reddit