When the football world gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to bid farewell to a legendary figure, they anticipated sharing memories, shedding a few tears, and celebrating a life that had shaped Australian Rules football for over four decades.
They didn’t expect Australian Football League (AFL) icon Robert Walls himself to have the last word, delivering a heartfelt message from beyond the grave.
Robert Walls was a man of many hats: a star player, a premiership-winning coach, a sharp-witted commentator, and a devoted family man.
His influence on the game is legendary, but those who knew him best say his most incredible legacy was the love and wisdom he shared at home.
Diagnosed with cancer two years ago, Walls made the courageous decision to use Victoria’s assisted dying laws, passing away peacefully at 74 on 15 May.
He was laid to rest beside his beloved wife Erin, who lost her battle with cancer 19 years earlier, and near one of his eight cherished grandchildren, Ella.
The MCG’s members’ dining room was packed with over 600 mourners, many of them football royalty.
Carlton’s Michael Voss, Collingwood’s Nathan Buckley, and Blues legend Stephen Kernahan were just a few of the big names who came to pay their respects.
Even the famously reclusive Bruce ‘The Flying Doormat’ Doull made a rare public appearance, a testament to the deep respect Walls commanded.
The service was filled with laughter, tears, and stories spanning Walls’ remarkable player, coach, and commentator career.
But the most moving moment came when MC Stephen Gough revealed a surprise: a four-minute message penned by Walls himself, to be read at his funeral. Not even his family knew it was coming.
‘I want you to remember the good times—of which there were plenty,’ Walls wrote, his words echoing through the room.
‘I indeed have had a fortunate life. Enough from me; goodbye, best wishes and be kind to each other, Wallsy.’
It was classic Walls—humble, grateful, and always thinking of others. His final farewell left his family, friends, and fans stunned and comforted.
The boy from Brunswick who became a legend
Walls’ journey began in Brunswick, but his impact stretched far beyond. He played 218 games for Carlton, helping the Blues to premiership glory in 1968, 1970, and 1972.
He finished playing at Fitzroy and launched his coaching career in 1981. As a coach, he led Carlton to the 1987 premiership, leaving an indelible mark on Fitzroy, the Brisbane Bears, and the media landscape.
But for all his toughness on the field, Walls was known for his generosity and self-reflection. His daughter Rebecca described him as a ‘wonderful girl dad’ and a ‘big softie’.
He was his ‘own toughest critic’—so much so that he’d sometimes hand over his match payments to his older sister Annette if he felt he hadn’t played well enough.
Scott Clayton, who played under Walls at Fitzroy and later worked with him at the Brisbane Bears, said, ‘Along with family, Robert’s had the greatest influence on my life.’
Michael McLean, who Walls supported after being cut by Footscray, broke down in tears as he recalled Walls’ unwavering faith in him.
‘He never called me “Magic”, he always called me Mick,’ McLean said, his voice cracking. ‘Then he got out of his sick bed, came up and inducted me in the (Brisbane Lions) Hall of Fame (in 2023), and introduced me as “Magic”.’
Walls’ impact wasn’t limited to the field. As a commentator, he set the standard for expert analysis, never shying away from calling it as he saw it.
David Barham, who produced Ten’s AFL coverage, remembered Walls’ infamous on-air spray at Meatloaf before the singer’s disastrous 2011 grand final performance.
‘Just tell the Big Loaf to harden up and get out there,’ Walls quipped, giving a moment that football fans still laugh about today.
Were you a fan of Robert Walls, or did you personally encounter him? How do you feel about his final message and how he said goodbye? We’d love to hear your memories and thoughts in the comments below. Let’s celebrate a true football legend together.
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