Several weeks ago, Robert Walls made the most momentous decision of his life. Facing death from cancer in a matter of months, he would curtail the suffering and hasten his exit through Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying laws.

Walls, one of Australian rules football’s most fabled figures as player, coach and media figure, died on Thursday in his East Melbourne apartment, in a medically supervised death, surrounded by his sister Annette and three children. He was 74.

Carlton legend Robert Walls has passed away this morning, after deciding not to go through another gruelling round of chemotherapy in his battle with a rare and aggressive blood cancer.

The 74-year-old Australian Football Hall of Famer and Carlton Team of the Century member chose voluntary assisted dying over a second cancer fight.

The triple premiership Carlton player and 1987 premiership coach had battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since being diagnosed in the week before the 2023 Grand Final.

He had been in remission, but when the cancer returned he decided against another harrowing fight he could not win.

Walls passed away at his East Melbourne home, surrounded by loved ones including children Rebecca, Daniel and David and partner Julie.

A doctor was also present.

“He was taking calls non-stop from well wishers and had dozens of visits. He certainly knew how much he was loved.”

Walls called friends and former football associates to farewell them in recent weeks but was adamant he wanted no publicity ahead of his passing.

He told them he was conscious of the diminishing quality of life that he could expect if he was again subjected to a 24/7 chemotherapy fight.

Carlton legend Robert Walls has passed away this morning, after deciding not to go through another gruelling round of chemotherapy in his battle with a rare and aggressive blood cancer.

The 74-year-old Australian Football Hall of Famer and Carlton Team of the Century member chose voluntary assisted dying over a second cancer fight.

The triple premiership Carlton player and 1987 premiership coach had battled acute lymphoblastic leukaemia since being diagnosed in the week before the 2023 Grand Final.

He had been in remission, but when the cancer returned he decided against another harrowing fight he could not win.

Walls passed away at his East Melbourne home, surrounded by loved ones including children Rebecca, Daniel and David and partner Julie.

A doctor was also present.

Friends of the AFL great said the horrific toll of his wife Erin’s long battle with cancer had partly influenced Walls’ decision to end his life by voluntary assisted dying, as well as the pain of his own fight.

He told them he had spent about 250 days in the past 18 months at hospitals.


Friends also said he was perpetually tired and his hearing, eyesight and balance were starting to go.


But they said the courageous former Carlton great had been composed and in good spirits in recent days and was at peace with his decision.

One close friend said: “It’s incredible how strong he was, he was consoling me and others.

“He was taking calls non-stop from well wishers and had dozens of visits. He certainly knew how much he was loved.”

Walls called friends and former football associates to farewell them in recent weeks but was adamant he wanted no publicity ahead of his passing.

He told them he was conscious of the diminishing quality of life that he could expect if he was again subjected to a 24/7 chemotherapy fight.
Walls told the Herald Sun last year that when he was diagnosed he believed he only had a few months to live, so was content to have extended that timeline through chemotherapy.

“I wasn’t shattered or felt cheated,” he said.

“I just thought I’ve had a wonderful life. I’m 73, and (wife) Erin passed away 18 years ago (of cancer). She never saw the grandkids grow up. I’ve got seven grandkids, the oldest is Tara, 19, and the youngest is Daisy, 5, and the others are in between, and I’ve seen them grow up and I want to see more of that.

Walls said last year he would have no regrets if the cancer eventually got him.

“If I was to die tomorrow, I’d say how fortunate I’ve been,” he said.

“No ‘woe is me’ at all. My sister’s had cancer, her husband had cancer, their little boy when he was four had cancer and lost his arm. He’s now 35 or 36 and a strapping big guy. How tough’s that? My wife passed away at 55. Shit, I’m in my 70s, I’ve got nothing to complain about, nothing at all.’’

Never saw him play but IIRC Synbad rated him one of the best he'd ever seen.

Great Carlton man, but I've also got good memories of the Fitzroy side he coached in the 80s. That was a damn good team.

Always enjoyed hearing him speak, except his shocking habit of sinking the boots into our opposition the week before we'd play them

Vale Wallsy, thanks for everything, thanks for along with Parko being absolute anti-Sheedy type figures at this footy club. And thanks for annoying the crap out of an Essendon*** supporting colleague of mine many years ago.

RIP.

The late great Moshe25 rated him as Carlton’s greatest Centre half forward.

C’mon… you do too…