Australian football mourns the loss of Robert Walls, who passed away on 15 May 2025, aged 74. He fought cancer bravely since his diagnosis in 2023 and lived far beyond his initial prognosis. His family confirmed the news in a statement: “Robert Walls passes away, aged 74.”
Figure 1: Australian football mourns the loss of Robert Walls
Early years and breakthrough
Born in Dunolly, Victoria, Walls grew up in East Brunswick. He started at Coburg Amateurs before joining Carlton in 1966 while still attending Coburg High School. He quickly progressed through the thirds and seconds and debuted in the VFL in 1967 at age 16. His debut came against Hawthorn in round two, where he kicked a goal with his first kick.
Rising at Carlton
Walls began as a defender with Wes Lofts and Ian Collins. In just his 28th game, he won a premiership in the 1968 Grand Final against Essendon. He moved into attack in 1969 and excelled at centre half-forward. His performances in key games stood out, particularly against Collingwood and Richmond.
In the 1970 Grand Final, he helped Carlton overturn a significant deficit to beat Collingwood. In 1972, he kicked six goals in a Grand Final win over Richmond, which remains one of the most dominant team performances. He played in five Grand Finals before age 23.
Walls led Carlton’s goal kicking in 1975 and 1976 and represented Victoria four times, scoring seven goals. He served as vice-captain and later captain in 1977 but resigned during the 1978 season due to disagreements with coach Ian Stewart.
Figure 2: Carlton overturned a significant deficit to beat Collingwood in the 1970 Grand Final
Transition to Fitzroy and retirement
He moved to Fitzroy mid-season in 1978, where he played 41 games and kicked 77 goals. He played two finals in 1979 and retired after the 1980 season.
Coaching Fitzroy and inventing ‘The Huddle’
Walls began his senior coaching career at Fitzroy in 1981. He implemented ‘The Huddle’, a tactic for kick-outs that created space for attacking movement. Walls told AFL.com.au in 2006: “We did a whole summer of pre-season training on it. We had good kicks like Grant Lawrie and Laurie Serafini, we needed guys who could break (and) the timing had to be right.”
This strategy led Fitzroy to three finals series in five seasons. His tactical innovation forced opponents to develop countermeasures, such as zone defences.
Return to Carlton as coach
In 1986, Walls returned to Carlton and led the club to the Grand Final in his first season. In 1987, he coached the Blues to a premiership. He brought in South Australian players like Stephen Kernahan, Craig Bradley, Peter Motley, and Mark Naley. He also recruited West Australians Jon Dorotich and Richard Dennis.
Figure 3: Walls led Carlton to glory in the 1987 season
Walls developed young players including:
- Ian Aitken
- Adrian Gleeson
- Michael Kennedy
- Warren McKenzie
- Fraser Murphy
- Shane Robertson
All became premiership players.
Walls said later: “I think as a coach you get more satisfaction. As a coach you ride every kick and every bump and you know what has gone into it.”
Carlton’s performance dipped in 1989, and the club replaced him mid-season with Alex Jesaulenko.
Guiding Brisbane Bears
Walls joined Brisbane Bears in 1991. He coached there for five seasons and led the team to its first finals appearance in 1995. He coached players who formed the backbone of the Lions’ 2001–2003 premiership era, including Jason Akermanis, Nigel Lappin, Justin Leppitsch, Craig McRae, Chris Scott, and Michael Voss.
Final coaching chapter and media career
Walls coached Richmond from 1996 to 1997 before moving into media. He became one of the most respected football analysts. Despite occasional friction with players and coaches, his views influenced the game deeply.
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Legacy and recognition
Walls joined the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Carlton named him in its Team of the Century in 2000 and elevated him to Legend status in 2011. He also joined the Brisbane Lions Hall of Fame.
In 2019, he returned to Carlton in a mentoring role for then-coach Brendon Bolton.
Career summary
Player:
- Carlton (1967–1978): 218 games, 367 goals
- Fitzroy (1978–1980): 41 games, 77 goals
- Premierships: 1968, 1970, 1972
- Captain: 1977–78
- Leading goalkicker: 1975, 1976
Coach:
- Fitzroy (1981–1985): 115 games
- Carlton (1986–1989): 84 games
- Brisbane Bears (1991–1995): 109 games
- Richmond (1996–1997): 39 games
- Premierships: 1987
Honours:
- Australian Football Hall of Fame
- Carlton Hall of Fame – Legend
- Carlton Team of the Century
- Brisbane Lions Hall of Fame
Robert Walls leaves behind a legacy spanning five decades. He shaped the game through innovation, leadership, and enduring service.
