Geelong great Joel Selwood has shared a heartfelt message thanking the AFL world following his brother Troy’s funeral last Friday.

Troy, who played 75 games for Brisbane before a lengthy stint at the Cats as a VFL player and AFL football staffer, died aged 40 two weeks ago.

The football community rallied around the Selwoods, who celebrated Troy’s life with a memorial service at Geelong’s home GMHBA Stadium.

“The past two weeks have been some of the toughest we’ve faced as a family,” Joel wrote on Instagram on behalf of his family.

“However, we are truly grateful for the overwhelming love and support from so many who have been touched by Troy’s passing.

“While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace. Thank you for standing by us during this difficult time.

“Love The Selwoods.”

The post was accompanied by a photo from the funeral of brothers Scott, Joel and Adam and their respective partners flanking parents Maree and Bryce.

On Friday, Joel remembered Troy as a fighter, a doting father to Sadie and Tom, and a much-loved soul.

“As a family we sit here in pain but also proudly of the time Troy put in to himself over many years,” Joel said.

“He was dealt some pretty tough cards over his lifetime, some ... he found a way to deal but, sadly, there were others no matter how hard he tried he could never fully control.

“And he did try ... he tried so hard. He put up a helluva of fight for mum and dad, for his kids, for his brothers, for his friends, and for others that are fighting the same fight just as he was.

“He fought for all of us ... he wanted to keep fighting ... but in the end he couldn’t lift his arms to throw another punch back.”

Joel said Troy had an “obsessive” personality and was “maybe the neatest writer in the history” of humankind.

He also revealed Troy loved a long phone call.

“He’d say, ‘Hey brother, just a quick one’ ... and 90 minutes later he’d say, ‘Anyway mate, I better let you go’,” Joel said.

“I probably didn’t realise at the time how much I loved those calls and what I would do for another long chat about anything at all.”

Joel’s voice started to tremble as he spoke about his parents and family.

“The only thing Troy loved more than football was family. Mum and dad were Troy’s hero,” Joel said.

“He felt comfortable, loved and cared in their company. He loved the way they made things simple.”

Joel then took a long pause ...

“Mum the rock, ever reliable, ever dependable, always loving ... and Dad always there for him, always on the end of the phone, always the sounding board regardless of the question.

“Mum and Dad, you did an incredible job .. we can’t imagine your pain, and we won’t try to.

“Please know how much he fought for you and we love you both. I hope my boys love Brit and I as much as he loved you both.”

Joel said Troy loved “cuddles” with Sadie and called Tommy “a great young man” who had a “great touch with the soccer ball”.

“I know Sadie you love cuddling your dad too,” Joel said.

“They were the moments he loved most in life ... and Sadie, for what’s it’s worth, your uncles would love some hugs too, if you don’t mind.”

He said if he did get one last phone call from Troy, he would tell him this: “Just a quick one ... I just want you to know how much you are loved and I want to thank you for everything ...

“Thanks for the support and the guidance over the years.

“I am sorry you had to struggle so hard, thanks for fighting a long as you did. I hope you’re in a good spot now.”