In a moving statement, Walls' family revealed he succumbed to the rigors of his illness after an extensive fight, having spent over 250 nights in hospitals during his treatment. The introduction of voluntary assisted dying laws in Victoria in 2019 allowed him this choice, enabling those with advanced diseases to end their suffering with medical support. As a footballer, his incredible journey spanned 14 years and later transitioned into a significant coaching and commentary career, shaping the sport he loved for decades. His legacy will surely echo within the walls of the sport he cherished.
Carlton Football Legend Robert Walls Passes Away at 74 through Voluntary Assisted Dying
Carlton Football Legend Robert Walls Passes Away at 74 through Voluntary Assisted Dying
Victorian football icon Robert Walls, renowned for his contributions to the AFL, dies after a courageous battle with leukemia.
Robert Walls, a distinguished figure in the Australian Football League (AFL), has passed away at the age of 74 after invoking voluntary assisted dying laws. Walls, a veteran of the Carlton Football Club, achieved significant success as both a player and coach, securing three premierships as a player and one as coach. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2023, prompting his decision for voluntary assisted dying. Walls spent his last moments surrounded by family in his apartment overlooking the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a testament to his enduring connection to the sport. His family shared that he had chosen to end his two-year battle with cancer, which required extensive hospitalization. The Carlton Football Club paid tribute to Walls, honoring his legacy as a "great servant" of the game. He leaves behind three children and his partner Julie, following the loss of his wife Erin to cancer in 2006.
