'Rest easy, my darling': AFL great rocked by wife's tragic death
The AFL community has been rocked by the sudden passing of Anna Green, the wife of former Melbourne captain Brad Green, at the age of 40.
Brad, 38, shared the heartbreaking news on his Instagram on Monday.
“Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end,” he wrote.
“It simply means, I’ll miss you until we meet again. Rest easy, my darling #xxx3boys."
The couple have two young sons under the age of 10.
Anna’s family confirmed the tragic circumstances behind her death in a statement released on Tuesday.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm the passing of beloved mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend Anna Green,” the family wrote.
“Anna suffered a cardiac arrest last week and passed away peacefully at lunch time yesterday surrounded by her immediate family.
“The family would like to thank the committed medical team at the intensive care unit at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital and would now ask for privacy as they come to terms with their loss.”
Anna worked in the fashion retail industry before launching her own brand and turning to lifestyle writing.
She played a crucial role in Green’s decision to stick with Melbourne in 2008 amid interest from rival clubs.
“My wife had the week off so she had the time with me,” he told the Herald Sun later that year.
“We had a week together to talk about everything – my life in footy, and away from footy, and what direction I was taking.”
Green, who retired in 2012 after a 254-game career, later worked as an assistant coach at Carlton and North Melbourne.
Our thoughts are with Brad Green and his family after the tragic passing of his wife Anna.
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) May 28, 2019
On behalf of Board Members, all players and staff at @AFLPlayers, we wish to express our deepest condolences to former @MelbourneFC player @bradgreen18 on the tragic passing of his wife Anna over the weekend.
— AFL Players (@AFLPlayers) May 28, 2019
Jerri Jones, the wife of Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones, paid a heartfelt tribute to her close friend Anna.
“Rest easy beautiful Anna. It was such a joy to be your friend,” Jerri wrote.
“You were the most beautiful, kind-hearted, genuine soul, full of love and care. I’m grateful our lives crossed paths, for you have touched my heart forever.
“I’ll keep looking up to you as I always have, admiring the incredible mother to Ollie and Wilba, wife to Brad and creative you were.
“Full of deep sadness and equally full of gratitude for having the pleasure of knowing you. I adore you.”