Brisbane Lions great Michael Voss pays much-loved figure Troy Selwood highest AFL compliment

Tributes are flowing for Troy Selwood after the former AFL player was found dead in a Geelong home on Tuesday morning.

The AFL world has been left numb by the sudden death of the 40-year-old, while Brisbane Lions great and Carlton coach Michael Voss has recalled a Troy Selwood moment from a game that still gives him “goose bumps”.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Former AFL player Troy Selwood dies aged 40.

Selwood played 75 games for Brisbane during a time when Voss was coaching the club he led to three premierships.

And after learning of Selwood’s death on Tuesday, Voss recalled a game in Round 7, 2009 where there was incident between Troy and Richmond star Alex Rance (watch the video above).

At the time, the incident was described as “a fair-dinkum car crash” by then Richmond coach Terry Wallace.

Both players attacked the ball at full speed and as they collided the crack of their heads “could be heard around the ground” (according to the AFL’s website).

“Both players lay dazed on the turf as the game was halted for four minutes before Rance was taken to the Richmond rooms on the medicart. Selwood was assisted to the bench, just metres away,” the AFL said.

Rance fractured cheekbone and was taken directly to Epworth hospital while Selwood was unable to return to the field.

“Every now again as a coach you get goose bumps about different things,” Voss said on Tuesday.

“And I got goose bumps when I saw that.

“I thought, ‘That’s what teamwork is all about’.”

It’s high praise from Voss who is one Brisbane’s greatest ever superstars, and arguably the club’s bravest ever player.

But it shows the respect the AFL world has (and had) for Troy Selwood.

The fearless act also inspired a famous Brisbane comeback.

“When you see a commitment like that from one of your teammates, you can’t help but not want to let him down,” Voss said.

After his AFL career ended in 2010, Selwood joined Geelong, spending over 10 years at the club.

He played in the VFL team, captaining them to the premiership in 2012, before moving into various off-field roles, including football operations, academy manager and talent ID manager from 2017-2021.

He departed the club in 2021 to join Collingwood as list and recruiting manager, but he stepped down after just six weeks due to health reasons.

Selwood then landed a new position at Geelong Grammar School as head of football and sports mentor.

Geelong CEO Steve Hocking was “extremely saddened” by the news.

“The news today has had a deep impact on many current and former players and staff,” Hocking said.

“Troy had a great spirit and energy and was someone who always cared about others. He had a passion for working with young people and helping them achieve their dreams of playing elite football.

“On behalf of the Geelong Football Club, we extend our deepest sympathies to Troy’s family, children and friends.”

Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann also paid tribute.

“On behalf of the Brisbane Lions, we extend our deepest condolences to the entire Selwood family at this very difficult time,” he said.

“Troy was much loved amongst his teammates and respected across the industry for his work in multiple football roles.”

West Coast were also connected to the Selwood family with Troy’s twin Adam playing at the Eagles, as well as the youngest Scott.

“On behalf of the club, I offer our deepest condolences to Troy’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time,” CEO Don Pyke said.

“The Selwood family have brought so much joy to the football community, and we offer our compassionate support in their time of need.”

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon also released a statement.

“On behalf of the AFL our thoughts are with the entire Selwood family and the wider football industry following the tragic passing of Troy Selwood,” he said.

“Troy was an incredible advocate for AFL Talent Pathways programs both in his role as a club recruiter and more recently during his time at Geelong Grammar.

“He demonstrated a core purpose to always place the needs of young players first and created environments where they could be themselves.

“Troy always bought a sense of positivity, humour and care to the recruiting and talent development process and will be sadly missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to work with him.

“We send our deepest sympathies to Joel, Adam, Scott, Bryce, Maree and the entire Selwood family, the staff and students at Geelong Grammar and all those who knew him in the football family at this time.”

If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300224636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.