Over 600 people attended the funeral service of Australian football champion Robert Walls on Thursday, who had his final words read out during a moving ceremony at the MCG.
The Carlton champion died on May 15, aged 74, having battled cancer for two years.
His service saw eight people take the stage to speak, including his sons, Michael McLean, Scott Clayton and Stephen Gough, who read out a four-minute message penned by Walls himself.
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Robert’s son David, who works for Fremantle, speaking at the funeral. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Footy champions from across the country were in attendance, highlighting Walls’ impact across generations as a player, coach and commentator.
Fellow Carlton champions Bruce Doull, Stephen Kernahan, Mike Fitzpatrick, David Parkin, Justin Madden, Peter Dean, Mark Maclure and John Nicholls attended, among others.
AFL chairman Andrew Dillon attended along with footy royalty including Gerard Healy, Nathan Buckley, David King, Rodney Eade, Mike Sheahan, Syd Jackson, Tony Shaw, Wayne Campbell, Michael Voss, Kevin Sheedy, Mick Malthouse, Rex Hunt and more.
Carlton legend Stephen Kernahan at Robert Walls’ funeral. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Gough was the man tasked with reading Walls’ final words. AAP has reported that even Walls’ family was unaware that a message was set to be read out from the man himself.
“I want you to remember the good times – of which there were plenty,” Gough read from Walls’ writing.
“I indeed have had a fortunate life.”
Stephen Gough reading Wallsy’s last words. AFL Photos via Getty Images
He spoke of his fortune in meeting his late wife Erin, and his love of his children and grandchildren.
“Erin and I shared over 30 years together. She was always my strong, loyal support, and a devoted mum.”
“We raised three beautiful kids Rebecca, David and Daniel, who have become good, kind, respectful, decent people.”
Carlton champion David Parkin attended Robert Walls’ funeral. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The message concluded: “Enough from me; goodbye, best wishes and be kind to each other, Wallsy”.
David Barham was among those who spoke, the Essendon president worked closely with Walls during Channel 10’s days broadcasting the AFL.
Barham had the crowd laughing, reminiscing about how much Walls disliked Meat Loaf’s infamous performance during the 2010 grand final.
A pictorial tribute is shown during Robert Walls Funeral Service AFL Photos via Getty Images
“On air, he gave Meat Loaf one of his better sprays,” Barham said.
“Along the lines of ‘He just must front up and perform … he’s being paid a lot of money … it’s just a bit of a drizzle… if he doesn’t perform I will’, and finished with my personal favourite: ‘Just tell the Big Loaf, to harden up and get out there’.”
Walls, ever the performer, was never afraid of having some fun and getting in the spotlight.
