Over 600 mourners gathered at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday to pay tribute to Robert Walls, a revered Australian football figure who passed away on May 15 at the age of 74 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. The heartfelt service featured addresses from eight speakers, including Walls’ sons, Michael, Scott, and Stephen, the latter reading a moving four-minute message composed by Walls himself.
In his final message, Walls expressed, “I want you to remember the good times – of which there were plenty,” highlighting his appreciation for life and the joy found in his relationships. He recounted his deep affection for his late wife, Erin, with whom he spent over 30 years, and celebrated his children—Rebecca, David, and Daniel—as good and respectful individuals. His concluding words urged attendees to “be kind to each other.”
The ceremony was attended by a stellar line-up of football luminaries, including Carlton legends like Bruce Doull, Stephen Kernahan, and Justin Madden, and renowned figures from across the AFL, such as chairman Andrew Dillon and commentators including Nathan Buckley and Gerard Healy. This diversity underscored Walls’ extensive influence as a player, coach, and commentator throughout his illustrious career.
David Barham, president of Essendon, also spoke at the service, recounting humorous memories of his time working with Walls at Channel 10. He mentioned Walls’ notorious critique of Meat Loaf’s grand final performance in 2010, citing Walls’ spirited on-air comments about the performance.
The gathering was filled with emotion as attendees celebrated Walls’ legacy, contemplating both his remarkable skills on the field and his ability to bring people together through his charismatic personality. The service served as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact Walls had on Australian football and the lives of those he touched along the way. His final request was a simple one: to remember the joy of life and to foster kindness in one another.