AFL fans are sending messages of support to Joel Selwood as the Geelong champion prepares to return to the commentary box this weekend. Selwood has been on a leave of absence from his media commitments with Channel 7 and 3AW after the devastating deaths of twin brothers Adam and Troy.

Adam died in May, just three months after the death of Troy. The twin brothers were 41.

The surviving Selwood brothers - Joel and Scott - have been left devastated, with Joel stepping away from his role on Channel 7 after Adam's death. Scott took a short break from his role as an assistant coach at Collingwood, while Joel hasn't been on TV or radio for the last few weeks.

Joel Selwood will be back in the commentary box with Channel 7 on Sunday. Image: Getty

But this week, Joel was back on 3AW radio and will return to the commentary box with Channel 7 on Sunday for St Kilda’s clash with the Demons at Marvel Stadium. Fans took to social media to send him their well-wishes after the brave move to get back to work.

"Great is see you back Joel you have so much to offer this great (football) game," one person wrote. Another commented: "Great to have you back Joel. All the best to you and your family." While a third added: "Welcome back Joel. We have missed you. Hope you are going ok."

Adam Selwood speaks at a memorial for Troy as Scott and Adam look on. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Selwood family shattered by double tragedy

All four Selwood brothers played AFL at the top level. Adam and Troy are four years older than Geelong champion Joel, and six years older than former Eagles and Cats player Scott. Adam played 187 games for West Coast, helping the club win the 2006 premiership, while Troy played 75 games for Brisbane and won a VFL premiership in 2012.

Joel wrote on social media after Adam's death: “Rest up, love you brother. Look after each other”. Speaking at a memorial for Troy in February, he said: "He was dealt some pretty tough cards over his lifetime. Some he found a way to deal with, 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 hell of a 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, as he always did in life, but in the end he simply couldn't lift his arms to throw another punch back. He'll be missed by so many."

The Selwood brothers (L-R) Scott, Adam, Joel and Troy. Image: Geelong Cats

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The Selwood boys' mother Fiona said in a statement in May: "We are heartbroken by the passing of Adam. Words cannot express the grief and sadness we feel. Adam was a loving husband, and an incredible father to Lenny and Billie. 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."

In February, Adam delivered a heartbreaking eulogy at a his twin's memorial. "Having an identical twin is both a rare privilege and wonderfully complex," Adam said. "A twin is more than a sibling, they are a constant presence, a built-in best mate and someone who understands you in a way that no-one ever could.

"Troy wasn't just my brother; he was my mirror, my fiercest competitor, my greatest ally and the one person that knew what I was always thinking. Losing him has left a massive hole in my life. But in time, I know it will be filled with a different presence that will be just as special to me as I continue to move through life as his twin brother."

This article originally appeared on Yahoo Sport Australia at https://au.news.yahoo.com/afl-fans-shower-joel-selwood-with-support-as-geelong-hero-returns-after-leave-of-absence-235955073.html