AFL great Ben Cousins has paid tribute to a close friend who passed away last week after a long cancer fight.

Chass Guthrie died last Thursday, surrounded by family in Brisbane, where Cousins had gone to catch up with him as recently as six weeks ago.

The pair and four other friends were pictured in Brisbane together in a photo taken early last month.

“A time to tip the hat to my friend, Chass Guthrie,” Cousins wrote on Instagram.

“I admired your approach to life, loved your sense of humour and gentle nature, and have been amazed by your strength.

“I’ll miss you. Rest in peace.”

A post was written on behalf of Guthrie last Friday after he passed away.

“It is with deep sadness that I share the passing of Chass Guthrie—beloved father of Oscar, much-loved partner of Julez Donna, son of Mark and Linda, and brother to Verity Guthrie and George Guthrie,” the family statement reads.

“After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Chass passed away peacefully on Tuesday night—held in love and surrounded by those he loved.

“Chass was a rare soul. A gifted artist and musician whose creativity ran deep.

“Quietly brilliant and wickedly funny, he moved through the world with thoughtfulness and heart. Those who knew him felt it — whether through the music he made, the conversations he sparked, or the quiet strength he carried.

“His absence is already immense and will be felt for years to come.

“Thank you to everyone who has wrapped us in love. Your support has meant more than words can say.”

The tragic news comes just as Cousins, along with the wider AFL community, mourns the loss of 2006 premiership teammate, Adam Selwood, who passed away last Saturday morning, just three months after the death of his identical twin brother, Troy.

Adam played 187 games for the West Coast Eagles across decorated decade-long career from 2003 to 2013, including the 2006 premiership against Sydney.

On Wednesday night, his heartbroken brother and AFL great Joel paid tribute to both Adam and Troy in a poignant message.

“Rest up, love you brother. Look after each other,” he wrote.

Cousins played with Selwood at West Coast between 2003 and 2007, which included the 2006 premiership and 2005 grand final against Sydney.

Joel’s tribute was accompanied by a photograph of the four Selwood brothers, Scott, Adam, Joel and Troy in the changerooms after a Geelong match.

A third photo showed three of the brothers enjoying a moment in the kitchen.

The AFL released a statement on Saturday, attributed to the Selwood family, saying “words cannot express the grief and sadness we feel”.

“Adam was a loving husband, and an incredible father to Lenny and Billie,” the statement reads.

“We are devastated to lose such a wonderful husband, father, son and brother.

“We will miss Adam deeply—his spirit, his kindness, and the joy he brought to every room. His determination, the lessons he shared, and his infectious personality will stay with us always.

“Adam had a unique ability to make people feel special, and our family was lucky to experience that every day.

“We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult time.”