Robert Walls, a revered legend of the Carlton Football Club and a significant figure in Australian football, has passed away at the age of 74. He chose to utilize the voluntary assisted dying laws introduced in Victoria in 2019, which allow individuals in advanced stages of illness to end their life with medical assistance.
Walls was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, in 2023. His family shared that he died on Thursday morning in his apartment, overlooking the Melbourne Cricket Ground, surrounded by his children.
A former player who won three premierships with Carlton (1968, 1970, and 1972), and later a coach and commentator, Walls dedicated 30 years of his life to the game. His family noted that, following a difficult two-year battle with cancer, he had spent more than 250 nights in hospitals and wanted to end his fight on his own terms.
Carlton FC paid tribute to him on social media, calling him "one of our game's great servants." Walls had a storied career, transitioning from player to coach, leading Carlton to a premiership in 1987, as well as coaching the Brisbane Lions and Richmond Tigers before retiring in 1997.
Walls is survived by his three children and partner Julie. His wife, Erin, tragically passed away from cancer in 2006. His legacy in Australian football will endure as a testament to his contributions and passion for the sport.
