The Selwood name is one of the most recognisable in Australian rules football. In 2025, however, the family was struck by an unimaginable double tragedy: the deaths of identical twin brothers Adam and Troy within three months of each other. Adam Selwood, the West Coast Eagles defender who played 176 games, died on 17 May 2025 in Perth, less than three months after his twin brother Troy’s passing, according to ESPN (sports news).
Born: 1 May 1984 ·
Died: 17 May 2025 ·
Age at death: 41 ·
AFL games: 176 ·
Teams: West Coast Eagles ·
Twin brother: Troy Selwood (died Feb 2025)
“Adam was a much-loved member of the football family. The AFL extends its deepest condolences to the Selwood family.”
— Andrew Dillon, AFL CEO
Quick snapshot
- Exact cause of death for both brothers has not been officially confirmed by authorities (Wikipedia)
- Whether Troy’s death was directly linked to CTE is not officially determined (YouTube (news summary))
- Details of the memorial service (location, attendees) are not fully documented (Wikipedia)
- Whether Troy’s brain donation confirmed CTE pathology has not been publicly reported (Wikipedia)
- 1 May 1984 — Adam and Troy Selwood born in Bendigo, Victoria (Wikipedia)
- 2003–2013 — Adam plays 176 games for West Coast Eagles (ESPN)
- February 2025 — Troy Selwood dies at age 40 (ESPN)
- 17 May 2025 — Adam Selwood dies at age 41 (ESPN)
- Ongoing investigations into both deaths (Wikipedia)
- Renewed calls for AFL concussion protocols and mental health support (ESPN)
- Brain donation by Troy Selwood to be studied for CTE at Australian Sports Brain Bank (YouTube)
“Our family is devastated by the loss of Adam. The past months have been unimaginable for us.”
— Fiona Selwood, via AFL statement
Nine biographical details one pattern: Adam Selwood’s life revolved around football, family, and a shared twin bond that ended in tragedy.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Adam Murray Selwood |
| Born | 1 May 1984, Bendigo, Victoria (Wikipedia) |
| Died | 17 May 2025, Herdsman, Western Australia (Wikipedia) |
| AFL debut | 2003 (ESPN) |
| Games played | 176 (Wikipedia) |
| Teams | West Coast Eagles (ESPN) |
| Twin brother | Troy Selwood (died Feb 2025) (ESPN) |
| Spouse | Fiona Selwood (Wikipedia) |
| Children | Two (Wikipedia) |
How did Adam and Troy Selwood die?
What is known about Adam Selwood’s death?
- Adam Selwood was found dead during a welfare check by police on 17 May 2025 in Herdsman, Western Australia, according to Wikipedia.
- The exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed by authorities (Wikipedia).
- ESPN reported the death as a “second tragic loss” for the Selwood family, framing it as a potentially sensitive mental-health-related story (ESPN).
What is known about Troy Selwood’s death?
- Troy Selwood died in February 2025 at age 40, according to ESPN.
- Wikipedia summarises that Troy died by suicide, though this has not been formally confirmed in a primary-source statement (Wikipedia).
- Before his death, Troy expressed his wish to donate his brain for concussion research (YouTube (news summary)).
Are the causes of death confirmed?
- No, the causes of death for both brothers have not been officially confirmed by authorities (Wikipedia).
- The Wikipedia summary notes that later reporting said Adam died by suicide, but this is not from a primary source (Wikipedia).
With no official cause-of-death statements from authorities, the public is left with media reports and Wikipedia summaries that may not reflect the final official findings. The Selwood family has requested privacy, and the investigation remains open.
“This is devastating for the game. To lose two brothers — two people who gave so much — it’s beyond comprehension.”
— Jimmy Bartel, former AFL player
Are Adam and Troy Selwood identical twins?
When were Adam and Troy born?
- Adam and Troy Selwood were identical twins, born on 1 May 1984 in Bendigo, Victoria, according to Wikipedia.
- They are believed to be the first set of identical twins to each play 100 AFL games (Wikipedia).
Did they both play in the AFL?
- Adam played for West Coast Eagles; Troy played for Brisbane Lions and Geelong (ESPN).
- They are the only set of identical twins to have both played in the AFL, a unique achievement (YouTube).
The implication: The Selwood twins’ shared journey from Bendigo to AFL stardom makes their near-simultaneous passing all the more heartbreaking.
Did Adam Selwood have a family?
Who was Adam Selwood’s wife?
- Adam Selwood was married to Fiona Selwood, according to Wikipedia.
- Fiona released a statement through the AFL expressing the family’s devastation (ESPN).
Did Adam Selwood have children?
- Adam is survived by his wife Fiona and their two children (Wikipedia).
- Adam came from a football family: his brothers Troy, Joel (Geelong captain), and Scott also played AFL (Wikipedia).
For the Selwood family, the loss of two sons and brothers within three months is a grief that extends far beyond the football field. The family’s request for privacy during their mourning has been widely respected by the AFL community.
What happened to Troy Selwood?
How did Troy Selwood die?
- Troy Selwood died in February 2025 at age 40 (ESPN).
- Wikipedia summarises that he died by suicide, though official confirmation is pending (Wikipedia).
Why did Troy donate his brain?
- Before his death, Troy expressed his wish to donate his brain for concussion research (YouTube).
- His donation is expected to be studied at the Australian Sports Brain Bank, which focuses on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) (YouTube).
What was the AFL community’s reaction?
- The AFL community was deeply shaken by the double tragedy, with tributes from clubs, players, and fans (ESPN).
- Former AFL player Jimmy Bartel described the loss as “devastating for the game” on a Nine podcast (YouTube).
The pattern: Troy’s brain donation has amplified calls for better concussion protocols in AFL, making his death a potential turning point in the sport’s approach to head injuries.
What was Adam Selwood’s AFL career?
Which teams did Adam Selwood play for?
- Adam Selwood played for the West Coast Eagles from 2003 to 2013 (ESPN).
- He was part of the Eagles’ 2006 premiership team (ESPN).
How many games did Adam play?
- He played 176 games and kicked 57 goals for West Coast (Wikipedia).
What positions did he play?
- Primarily a defender and midfielder, Adam was known for his toughness, leadership, and tagging roles (Wikipedia).
- After retiring, he worked as a teacher and coach, staying involved in community football (ESPN).
Adam Selwood’s on-field role as a stopper may have come at a physical cost; his 176 games of hard-nosed football are now part of the growing conversation about the long-term effects of repeated head collisions in the AFL.
Timeline
- — Adam and Troy Selwood born in Bendigo, Victoria (Wikipedia)
- — Adam plays 176 games for West Coast Eagles (ESPN)
- — Troy Selwood dies at age 40 (ESPN)
- — Adam Selwood dies at age 41 (ESPN)
- — AFL greats gather for Adam’s memorial service (YouTube)
Confirmed facts
- Adam Selwood died on 17 May 2025 (ESPN)
- Troy Selwood died in February 2025 (ESPN)
- They were identical twins born on 1 May 1984 (Wikipedia)
- Adam is survived by wife Fiona and two children (Wikipedia)
- Adam played 176 AFL games for West Coast Eagles (ESPN)
What’s unclear
- Exact cause of death for both brothers has not been officially confirmed by authorities (Wikipedia)
- Whether Troy’s death was directly linked to CTE is not officially determined (YouTube)
- Details of the memorial service (location, attendees) are not fully documented
- Troy’s brain donation results have not been publicly reported by the Australian Sports Brain Bank
The double loss of the Selwood twins has sent shockwaves through the AFL. For a sport still grappling with the long-term impact of concussions, the deaths underscore an urgent need for better mental health support and research. For the Selwood family, the grief is personal; for the AFL community, it is a call to action. The investigation into both deaths continues, and the conversation about player welfare is far from over. For anyone struggling, resources like Lifeline (24/7 crisis support) are available.
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The tragic loss of twin brothers Adam and Troy Selwood within five months has raised urgent questions about concussion research and player welfare in the AFL.
Frequently asked questions
What was the AFL’s official reaction to Adam Selwood’s death?
The AFL released a statement expressing condolences and acknowledging the loss. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon reportedly described Adam as a “much-loved member of the football family” (ESPN).
How old was Adam Selwood when he died?
Adam Selwood was 41 years old at the time of his death on 17 May 2025 (Wikipedia).
Did Adam Selwood have any siblings besides Troy?
Yes, Adam had three brothers: his twin Troy, Joel (former Geelong captain), and Scott, who also played AFL (Wikipedia).
What team did Adam Selwood play for?
Adam Selwood played his entire AFL career for the West Coast Eagles (ESPN).
When did Adam Selwood retire from AFL?
He retired in 2013 after 11 seasons with the Eagles (ESPN).
Where was Adam Selwood born?
He was born in Bendigo, Victoria, on 1 May 1984 (Wikipedia).
What is the Selwood family’s legacy in AFL?
The Selwood family is one of the most accomplished in AFL history, with four brothers playing at the highest level. Joel Selwood is a four-time premiership captain, while Adam and Troy both carved out distinguished careers (ESPN).
Are there any resources for mental health support following this tragedy?
Yes, Lifeline (24/7 crisis support) is available for anyone in need. The AFL also provides mental health resources through its player welfare programs.
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Jack Lawson is Senior Reporter at Reef Brief, covering breaking stories and explainers.