Robert Walls Dies at 74: AFL Legend’s Brave Battle with Cancer Ends on His Own Terms

Melbourne May The Australian football world is mourning the loss of one of its the bulk iconic figures Robert Walls celebrated AFL athlete coach and commentator passed away peacefully at the age of after a long and courageous fight against acute lymphoblastic leukaemia a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer Robert Walls Dies at AFL Legend s Brave Battle with Cancer Ends on His Own Terms Walls died in his East Melbourne apartment overlooking the Melbourne Cricket Ground MCG surrounded by his children and sister It was a deeply personal and peaceful end for a man who lived and breathed football His evaluation came in late prompting a grueling period of chemotherapy that saw him spend over nights in hospital In early Walls experienced a brief remission and even spoke optimistically about spending more time with his grandchildren But by the end of that year the cancer had returned stronger and more aggressive Faced with the option of more intense rehabilitation Walls made a formidable yet deeply considered decision He chose not to undergo further chemotherapy instead prioritizing quality of life and time with his loved ones In a poignant and brave move Walls opted to use Victoria s voluntary assisted dying rule a choice that allowed him to pass on his own terms Walls legacy in Australian rules football is immense As a performer he was part of Carlton s golden era winning premierships in and As a coach he led Carlton to another premiership in further cementing his status as one of the contest s greater part influential figures After retiring from coaching Walls remained a passionate voice in football as a commentator and columnist known for his sharp analysis and deep understanding of the encounter Tributes have poured in from across the AFL area honoring not just his achievements but also his dignity leadership and the courage he established during his final chapter Robert Walls is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren His beloved wife Erin passed away in As fans reflect on his incredible legacy one thing is clear Robert Walls didn t just shape the tournament he shaped generations His presence will be deeply missed but his influence will live on in the heart of Australian football