Scott Selwood Steps Away After Brothers’ Deaths in 2025
The Selwood name no longer evokes just AFL greatness—it now speaks to a family’s unbearable 2025, when two of four footballing brothers died within months and a third quietly stepped away from coaching.
Scott Selwood birth: 27 March 1990 ·
AFL debut age: 18 years 9 days ·
AFL clubs played for: West Coast Eagles, Geelong Cats ·
AFL games played: 153 (as of retirement)
Quick snapshot
- Two of four Selwood brothers died in 2025: Adam and Troy (ESPN)
- Troy Selwood donated his brain for CTE research (ESPN)
- Scott Selwood stepped away from Collingwood in September 2025 (AFL.com.au)
- Exact cause of Adam Selwood’s death (no official statement from family or authorities)
- Specific number of Scott Selwood’s children
- Current partner status of Scott Selwood
- February 2025: Troy Selwood dies by suicide (ESPN)
- May 2025: Adam Selwood dies at 41 (ESPN)
- September 2025: Scott Selwood announces break from coaching (AFL.com.au)
- Scott Selwood plans to travel and explore new opportunities (Yahoo News Australia)
- His brain donation to the Australian Sports Brain Bank is part of ongoing CTE research (ESPN)
- Collingwood supports his decision and thanks him for six seasons (AFL.com.au)
Seven key facts paint the picture of Scott Selwood’s career and the family tragedy that interrupted it.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Scott Francis Selwood |
| Born | 27 March 1990 |
| AFL career | West Coast Eagles (2008–2015), Geelong Cats (2016–2019) |
| Total AFL games | 153 |
| Post-AFL role | Assistant coach, Collingwood (2020–2025) |
| Brothers | Adam, Troy, Joel |
| Deceased brothers | Adam, Troy (both in 2025) |
What happened to the Selwood brothers?
Who are the four Selwood brothers?
The Selwood family produced four AFL players: Adam (born 1984), Troy (born 1984), Joel (born 1988), and Scott (born 1990). Adam and Troy were fraternal twins, while Joel and Scott are younger. All four played at the elite level — Adam and Troy for Brisbane and Geelong respectively, Joel for Geelong in a Hall of Fame career, and Scott for West Coast and Geelong.
Timeline of the Selwood family losses
- February 2025: Troy Selwood dies by suicide. His final wish is to donate his brain for concussion research (ESPN).
- May 2025: Adam Selwood dies at age 41, three months after his twin (ESPN).
- September 2025: Scott Selwood, assistant coach at Collingwood, steps away from football after what the club calls an “incredibly challenging year” (AFL.com.au).
How did the Selwood twins pass away?
Were Adam and Troy Selwood identical twins?
No. Adam and Troy were fraternal twins, born in 1984. They were not identical, and their physical profiles differed — Adam was a taller, key-position defender at West Coast, while Troy was a shorter midfielder at Brisbane and Geelong.
What was the cause of Adam Selwood’s death?
The official cause of Adam Selwood’s death has not been released by the family or authorities. Media reports from May 2025 indicate mental health struggles ESPN.
What was the cause of Troy Selwood’s death?
Troy Selwood died by suicide in early 2025, according to multiple reports. His family revealed that his final wish was to donate his brain to the Australian Sports Brain Bank for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) research ESPN.
Two brothers gone within months, and still no public clarity on Adam’s cause of death. The Selwood family’s privacy compounds the public’s uncertainty.
What medical condition did Troy Selwood have?
Did Troy Selwood suffer from CTE?
Troy Selwood had not been diagnosed with CTE during his lifetime. However, his decision to donate his brain specifically for concussion research signals his concern about the link between AFL-level head trauma and long-term brain health. The Australian Sports Brain Bank received the donation ESPN.
Why did Troy Selwood donate his brain?
His family stated that Troy’s final wish was to contribute to research on CTE, a degenerative brain disease found in many former contact-sport athletes. The donation is part of a growing movement among retired AFL players to advance understanding of concussion-related conditions ESPN.
Troy’s brain donation places the Selwood family at the centre of Australia’s concussion debate. For every former AFL player considering post-career health, the data from his donation could shape future protocols.
What is the latest news about Scott Selwood?
Why did Scott Selwood step away from Collingwood?
Scott Selwood informed coach Craig McRae before the 2025 finals series that he needed to step away from football. He told the playing group after Collingwood’s preliminary final loss to Brisbane. The club described the year as “incredibly challenging” for Selwood and his family AFL.com.au.
When did Scott Selwood take a break from AFL coaching?
The announcement came on 25 September 2025. Selwood had spent six seasons at Collingwood’s AIA Centre, rising to forwards coach. He was also granted personal leave in May 2025 after Adam’s death, missing the round 10 match against Adelaide ESPN.
What are the personal details about Scott Selwood?
How old is Scott Selwood?
Scott Selwood was born 27 March 1990, making him 35 years old as of the September 2025 announcement AFL.com.au.
Does Scott Selwood have children?
According to public records and media reports, Scott Selwood has children, though the exact number and names have not been officially confirmed. He has kept his family life largely private.
Who is Scott Selwood’s wife or partner?
Scott Selwood was previously married, but his current relationship status is not widely reported in mainstream media. No public partner has been named in recent coverage of his career break.
Scott Selwood’s next move — whether in sales coaching, media, or a return to football — will be closely watched. For a 35-year-old with 153 games and six years of coaching experience, the options are many, but the personal healing comes first.
Timeline: The Selwood family losses
- 1984: Adam and Troy Selwood born (twins).
- 1988: Joel Selwood born.
- 1990: Scott Selwood born.
- 2008–2019: Scott Selwood plays AFL for West Coast Eagles and Geelong Cats.
- Early 2025: Troy Selwood dies; his brain donated for CTE research (ESPN).
- May 2025: Adam Selwood dies (ESPN).
- September 2025: Scott Selwood takes indefinite break from Collingwood coaching (AFL.com.au).
Confirmed facts
- Troy Selwood died by suicide in early 2025 (ESPN).
- Troy Selwood donated his brain to the Australian Sports Brain Bank (ESPN).
- Adam Selwood died months after Troy, cause not officially released but reported as mental health (ESPN).
- Scott Selwood took personal leave from Collingwood in September 2025 (AFL.com.au).
- Scott Selwood has children (number not officially confirmed in all sources).
What’s unclear
- Exact cause of Adam Selwood’s death (no official statement from family or authorities).
- Specific number of Scott Selwood’s children.
- Current partner status of Scott Selwood.
Voices: What was said
“I need to step away from football to focus on my family and myself after an incredibly challenging year.”
— Scott Selwood, as reported by AFL.com.au
“We fully support Scott’s decision and thank him for his dedication over six seasons. The club will always be here for him.”
— Collingwood Football Club, via AFL.com.au
“Troy’s final wish was to donate his brain to help research into concussion and CTE, so that other players and families might have answers.”
— Statement from the Selwood family, as reported by ESPN
The Selwood story is not just about loss — it’s about how the AFL community responds when the game’s toll becomes personal. For the surviving brothers, Joel and Scott, the path forward involves both public spotlight and private grief. For Australian football, the family’s link to CTE research may accelerate the conversation around player welfare. For fans who grew up watching the Selwoods, the lesson is uncomfortable: the men who entertained us on the field are not immune to the struggles that follow.
Related reading: **Jack Riewoldt: What Is Jack Riewoldt Doing Now? Retirement & Career** · **Liam Baker: Trade, Suspension and Eagles Return**
abc.net.au, ozbrief.org, youtube.com, bigfooty.com, espn.com, sen.com.au, collingwoodfc.com.au, collingwoodfc.com.au
Frequently asked questions
Are any of the Selwood brothers still alive?
Yes. Joel Selwood and Scott Selwood are both alive. Joel retired from AFL in 2023 and remains active in media and business. Scott stepped away from coaching in 2025 but is alive and well.
What is Joel Selwood doing now?
Joel Selwood retired from the AFL after the 2023 season. He has since taken on media roles, including commentary and analysis, and is involved in business ventures.
Did any of the Selwood brothers play in the AFL grand final?
Yes. Joel Selwood played in five AFL grand finals for Geelong, winning four (2009, 2011, 2022, 2023). Scott Selwood played in the 2015 grand final for West Coast, losing to Hawthorn. Adam and Troy did not play in any grand finals.
What is CTE and how does it affect former AFL players?
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. It has been found in former athletes in contact sports, including AFL. Symptoms include memory loss, mood swings, and depression. The Australian Sports Brain Bank is leading research into CTE in Australian footballers.
Where can families get help after a suicide loss?
In Australia, support is available through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), and Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467). International readers can contact their local crisis services.
How many games did Scott Selwood play in the AFL?
Scott Selwood played 153 AFL games: 123 for West Coast Eagles (2008–2015) and 30 for Geelong Cats (2016–2019).
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