Geelong football great Jimmy Bartel has shared heartfelt reflections on the tragic suicides of Troy and Adam Selwood, highlighting the remarkable resilience of the Selwood family in the wake of such profound loss. Troy passed away in February, followed by Adam in May, leaving a deep void in the AFL community as well as across Australia.
Bartel, who played alongside their brother Joel during his time at Geelong, particularly during the club’s premiership wins in 2007, 2009, and 2011, expressed the difficulty of truly understanding the depths of grief the Selwoods are experiencing. He noted his close relationship with Joel, which extended beyond football to involve their families, making the tragic events all the more poignant for him.
In a candid discussion on the podcast A Life of Greatness, Bartel reflected on the immense challenge of finding the right words to comfort the Selwood family in their time of grief. He emphasised that while many want to help, it is crucial to truly offer support beyond mere words, ensuring that the Selwoods know they are not alone in their suffering. He marvelled at the extraordinary strength the family has shown, particularly in relation to the heartbreaking loss of two sons in quick succession.
Bartel shared his personal connection to the situation, feeling profoundly affected by the loss of the identical twins, Adam and Troy. He expressed his deepest sympathies to their family, continuously thinking of Joel, Scott, and their parents, Bryce and Marie, wishing he could alleviate some of their pain.
Beyond discussing the Selwood family’s tragedy, Bartel opened up about various personal challenges, including his difficult upbringing, navigating a public marriage breakdown with his ex-wife Nadia, and unexpected retirement from football. He candidly mentioned feeling resentment towards Geelong during this abrupt transition, reflecting on the emotional toll it took, particularly given his lengthy commitment and achievements with the club.
With a decorated career that includes 305 games, three premierships, a Norm Smith Medal, and a Brownlow Medal, Bartel remains a notable figure in AFL history. His insights on mental health are crucial, reminding us of the importance of support systems for those in distress. For anyone facing similar challenges, Bartel and the message of seeking help resonate strongly, with resources like Lifeline available to provide immediate support.
For urgent assistance, individuals can reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit their website at lifeline.org.au, and in emergencies, contact 000.