Robert Walls’ son has revealed the footy icon’s final moments weren’t marked by sadness, but by strength and love – exactly how his children say he wanted to go.
The Carlton legend died peacefully at home on Thursday, aged 74, after choosing to end his life by drinking a lethal substance under Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying laws.
His children, David, Daniel and Rebecca, were by his side, along with his sister Annette, former partner Julie, and beloved dog Lily.
David Walls said his father had faced his death with remarkable composure. ‘He skipped down the hallway like he was running through the banner,’ he told News Corp.
‘He was ready. He said, ‘I’ve had a great life… but it’s enough.’
Walls had spent more than 250 days in hospital since being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2023. When the cancer returned after a short remission, he decided not to endure another round of chemotherapy.
AFL great Robert Walls (pictured with one of his sons) was surrounded by his children and loved ones during his final moments
Walls was given three months to live after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, but fought on for two years
Walls son Davis, who works at the Fremantle Dockers, said that his father knew it was time to go
‘He didn’t want to keep fighting something he knew he couldn’t beat,’ David said. ‘He’d seen what cancer did to Mum, and he didn’t want that to be his story too.’
Erin Walls, his wife of many years, died in 2006 from lung cancer. Her death left a lasting mark on the footy great, who had cared for her during her final days.
‘He did an enormous job,’ David said.
‘I think that experience really influenced his decision.’
In his final weeks, Walls called friends, teammates and former players to say goodbye.
‘He was taking calls constantly,’ David said.
‘So many people reached out. It makes you proud of the football community – past players, opponents, coaches – all showing care and respect.’
Walls made it clear to his children that he didn’t want publicity before his death. He wanted time with his family and the chance to go quietly, in control of the moment.
David revealed that Walls had taken the time to call of his connections to say goodbye before he passed
Walls was extremely well known in the AFL world, but did not want his passing to be publicised before he went
‘He jumped through all the hoops, saw the doctors, and got the green light,’ David said.
‘He knew exactly what he was doing.’
The family spent his final night together, sharing dinner and memories with his grandchildren.
‘There was laughter,’ David said.
‘It was warm, and it was what he wanted – surrounded by people who loved him.’
Julie, though no longer his partner, remained a constant in his life.
‘They weren’t together anymore,’ David said.
‘But they’d known each other for 18 years. She’s been a good companion.’
Walls went out exactly the way he wanted, surrounded by love and the people he cared about the most
Walls selflessly donated all of his premiership medals to Carlton to be displayed in perpetuity
David also said his father had become deeply reflective over the last few months.
‘He kept saying how grateful he was – for the life he lived, the people he knew, the places he travelled. He never complained,’ he said.
Walls’ illness began with chest and rib pain, which he assumed was just old football wear and tear.
But one day, during a routine walk with his dog, he couldn’t continue. ‘He only lasted 10 minutes,’ David said.
‘That’s when he knew something wasn’t right.’
He was diagnosed days later. Doctors initially gave him three months to live, but Walls defied expectations. He fought for nearly two years.
‘He did it for the grandkids,’ David said.
‘That was his reason to keep going. He loved being around them.’
Before his death, Walls donated all four of his premiership medals – from 1968, 1970, 1972 and 1987 – to Carlton, where they now sit proudly at IKON Park.
‘He wanted them to be with the club,’ David said. ‘That was his football home.’
Tributes have poured in. Paul Roos flew from Hawaii to visit. Former players and coaches reached out with stories and memories.
‘Some said he was the hardest bloke they ever played under,’ David laughed. ‘But they were grateful. They knew he meant it, and they respected that.’
Walls spent his final days reflecting on what mattered most – his family. ‘He wasn’t scared,’ David said. ‘He had made peace with everything. He told us he felt lucky.’
Carlton great Stephen Kernahan described Walls as a mentor and friend. ‘He was hard – but I loved that about him,’ Kernahan said.
‘He was a visionary. I’m shattered I won’t see him again.’
Michael Voss, who played under Walls at the Brisbane Bears, said: ‘He drove me to get the best out of myself. He accepted nothing less than your best. He’ll be missed.’
The AFL will honour Walls’ contribution with a celebration of life at the MCG. Brisbane will wear black armbands in tribute.
