Cricket
Racing
Rugby
League
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Find your Sport Nation frequency“A real visionary”: AFL world mourns Robert Walls
SEN • May 15th, 2025 4:26 pm
V/AFL legend Robert Walls sadly passed away on Thursday morning, aged 74.
The three-time Carlton premiership player and one-time Blues flag-winning coach left an indelible mark on the game.
Walls also coached and played at Fitzroy and had coaching stints at the Brisbane Bears and Richmond, before embarking on a successful media career.
The tributes have flooded in for Walls who was a popular figure as a player, coach and media personality.
Stephen Kernahan
“When I came to Carlton, ‘Wallsy’ drove me to get the best out of myself, and I’d do anything for him,” Kernahan said.
“He was a hard man – but I loved that hardness in him. He was also ahead of his time, a real visionary.
“Wallsy was a great mentor and friend to me, and I’m shattered I’m not going to see him again.”
Brisbane Lions CEO, Greg Swann, said the thoughts of the entire Club were with Walls’ family.
“Wallsy made a massive contribution to our club and the game as a player, coach and commentator,” Swann said.
“His fingerprints were all across the club’s three-peat of successes and we will honour Robert by wearing black armbands in our match against Melbourne at The Gabba on Sunday.”
AFLPA
The AFL Players’ Association is today mourning the passing of Carlton, Fitzroy, Brisbane and Richmond great, Robert Walls.
On behalf of the AFLPA Board, members and staff, we extend our condolences to Robert’s family, friends, former teammates and colleagues.
Robert was a genuine giant of the game, who left his mark across multiple clubs and organisations.
His contribution to the 1972 Grand Final against Richmond, a club he would eventually go on to coach, is regarded as one of the great Grand Final performances.
There were few during Robert’s extensive time in the game who didn’t benefit from his passion, hard work and knowledge. He had a huge impact on players during his coaching career, and his work as a media analyst brought great entertainment and insight to the public.
AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh
The AFL Players’ Association is today mourning the passing of Carlton, Fitzroy, Brisbane and Richmond great, Robert Walls.
On behalf of the AFLPA Board, members and staff, we extend our condolences to Robert’s family, friends, former teammates and colleagues.
Robert was a genuine giant of the game, who left his mark across multiple clubs and organisations.
His contribution to the 1972 Grand Final against Richmond, a club he would eventually go on to coach, is regarded as one of the great Grand Final performances.
There were few during Robert’s extensive time in the game who didn’t benefit from his passion, hard work and knowledge. He had a huge impact on players during his coaching career, and his work as a media analyst brought great entertainment and insight to the public.
