AFL mourns legend Robert Walls after passing

The AFL community is mourning the loss of Robert Walls, who passed away aged 74 after a long battle with cancer. A giant of the game, Walls’ career spanned almost 60 years and left an indelible mark as a player, coach, commentator and mentor.

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon paid tribute to Walls on Friday, calling him one of the game’s most influential voices both on and off the field.

“Robert Walls was a straight talker with very clear ideas on how the game should be played, and the requirements to be successful at the top level,” Dillon said.

“He was beloved by his teammates and the players he led at senior level.”

Walls’ accolades are among the most wide-ranging in the game’s history. A triple premiership player for Carlton, he coached the Blues to a flag in 1987 and held senior roles with Fitzroy, Brisbane and Richmond. He also played four games for Victoria and was named in Carlton’s Team of the Century.

Dillon acknowledged Walls’ early coaching role at the Brisbane Bears as pivotal in shaping what the game has become in Queensland.

“Robert did the hard yards when others didn’t want to risk their reputations,” Dillon said.

“The game was better for Robert being in our ranks.”

Walls later became a respected broadcaster and newspaper columnist, and also served as an All Australian selector.

The AFL extended its condolences to Walls’ family and thanked the many players, coaches and fans who sent messages in recent weeks.