Carlton icon Robert Walls has passed away at the age of 74 following a courageous fight against a rare and aggressive blood cancer. Walls, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia shortly before the 2023 Grand Final, ultimately decided against continuation of chemotherapy after learning he had just a few months to live. He chose to utilise Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying legislation, passing away peacefully at home on Thursday with his sister Annette and three children by his side. Tragically, his wife Erin had succumbed to lung cancer in 2006, influencing Walls’ decision regarding his own end-of-life care.
Throughout his extensive career, Walls was a celebrated triple premiership player and a key figure in the AFL. He spent approximately 270 days in hospital during his illness and had previously been in remission, but the return of his cancer prompted his decision to forego further treatment. David Walls revealed that his father had made the choice to pursue medically supervised dying about a month prior, having been impacted deeply by the experience of losing his wife.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from the football community, highlighting Walls’ significant impact as both a player and a coach. Carlton great Stephen Kernahan expressed the profound influence Walls had on his life, praising him as both a mentor and a true visionary in the sport. Additionally, a statement from Carlton acknowledged Walls as “one of the game’s great servants,” noting that he faced his final days with dignity, reflecting on a life well-lived.
Walls’ contributions to the AFL extended beyond his playing days; he coached Fitzroy and later for 16 years and had a successful career in commentary spanning 25 years. He was instrumental in Carlton’s premierships in 1968, 1970, and 1972, and continued to shape the game long after his retirement as a player. Scott Clayton, who played under Walls and later worked alongside him in recruitment, described him as the greatest influence in his life, recognising the support and belief Walls instilled in those around him.
In honour of Robert Walls, a celebration of his contributions to the league will take place at the MCG in the coming week, ensuring that his legacy within Australian rules football endures.