Aussie rules legend Robert Walls has died aged 74 after using voluntary assisted dying laws.
Walls won three premiership titles with Carlton Football Club as a player and a coach.
He was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer, named acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, in 2023.
The Age reports that Walls decided not to go through another round of chemotherapy after being told he had months to live earlier this year.
He passed away at his home on Thursday surrounded by his sister Annette and his three children, according to the newspaper.
In a statement, Walls’ family said: “On behalf of the family of Robert Walls, the AFL wishes to advise that Robert passed away today at the age of 74, after 14 years as a league player, 16 years as a coach, 25 years as a commentator and a lifetime as a self-proclaimed 'fan'.
“Having battled cancer for more than two years, Robert did it his way and chose to end a fight that had seen him spend more than 250 nights in hospital during the past two years.
“His son David, speaking on behalf of sister Rebecca and brother Daniel, confirmed the Carlton, Fitzroy and Brisbane great and grandfather to seven had passed away peacefully in his unit overlooking the MCG.
“Having spent the last couple of weeks tidying up his affairs and catching up with family and close friends, he chose that over more and more hospital visits for treatment.
“His massive contribution to football at Carlton, Fitzroy, Brisbane and Richmond will be celebrated at the MCG in coming weeks.”
In a post on X, Carlton FC described Walls as “one of our game's great servants".
Walls wife Erin died of cancer in 2006.
Voluntary assisted dying for the terminally ill or those with a condition that is causing intolerable suffering is legal in most Australian states, after being introduced first in Victoria in 2019.
Doctors can prescribe medication for self-administration or administer them where required.
