Carlton legend Robert Walls dies aged 74
Carlton legend and former 3AW Football special commentator Robert Walls has died aged 74.
Walls passed away this morning at his East Melbourne home, surrounded by loved ones after battling a rare and aggressive blood cancer.
“He’s been a giant of the AFL and VFL,” David Schwarz said on 3AW Mornings.
Press PLAY to hear the sad news break on-air + David Schwarz’s tribute to Walls
3AW station manager Stephen Beers has released the following statement:
Robert’s time on 3AW began when, in his final days as Richmond coach, a plucky Anthony Hudson worked up the courage to approach him at Princes Park and invite him into the 3AW Football box for a chat.
The resulting interview was so compelling that as soon as he left Punt Road he walked into a job on 3AW Football; a role he held for the next 15 years.
During that time he shared the box with the likes of Rex Hunt, Clinton Grybas, Tony Shaw, Sam Newman, Graeme Bond, Dennis Cometti, Tony Leonard, Gerard Healy, Mike Sheahan and Caroline Wilson, delivering a no-nonsense style of commentary that reshaped the role and ensured 3AW’s standing as the leaders of football broadcasting well into the new millennium.
His broadcasts with Rex, Clinton, Shawry and Bondy will remain some of the most-iconic in 3AW history and he will always be fondly remembered by those who worked with him, both on and off-air.
Image: Michael Dodge/Getty