Troy Selwood has been remembered for his ‘laughter, light and love’ during a memorial service at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium.
Family, friends, football figures and students from Geelong Grammar (where Troy was head of football and sports performance) filled the Brownlow Stand on February 14 following the former AFL player’s death on February 4 at age 40.
Troy’s mother Maree Selwood started the service with a poem about her love for her son, followed by a prayer by father Bryce Selwood who shared his appreciation for the time spent with his son.
“I forgot to read the fine print when I signed up to be your mum. I thought it would be hugs and smiles and quite a lot of fun. I didn’t see the bit that read of pain, loss, grief and despair,” Maree said.
“We pray that the memories of Troy’s life remain in the hearts of all who knew him, bringing him comfort and joy in the years to come. May his legacy live on in the laughter, light and love he left behind,” Bryce said.
Identical twin brother Adam Selwood said Troy wasn’t just his brother and that losing him had “left a massive hole” in his life.
“He was my mirror, my fiercest competitor, my greatest ally, and the one person that knew what I was always thinking,” Adam said.
“A twin is more than a sibling; they’re a constant presence, a built-in best mate, and someone who understands you in a way that no one ever could.
“I’m the luckiest person in the world to have had that connection and support from him for so many years… and while he may no longer be with us in body, he will always be with us in spirit and in memory.”
Younger brother Joel Selwood said Troy was “a proud, doting father” to his two young children, who enjoyed sharing riddles and nursery rhymes with son Tom and loved having cuddles with daughter Sadie.
“He (Troy) fought for all of us, and he wanted to keep fighting as he always did in life, but in the end, he simply couldn’t lift his arms to throw another punch back,” Joel said.
“He was dealt some pretty tough cards over his lifetime. Some he was dealt; he found a way to deal with. But sadly, there were others that, no matter how hard he tried, he could never fully control.
“He tried so hard. He put up a hell of a fight; for mum and dad, for his kids, for his brothers, for his friends and for others that are fighting the same fight, just as he was.”
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