Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker has dedicated his first goal against Geelong on Friday night to his late father-in-law after losing his wife Ellie’s dad during the week.
Ellie Walker’s father, Rob Brown, died of cancer earlier this week.
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Brown was a legendary camera operator in Channel 7’s Adelaide newsroom, having covered some of the world’s biggest events over the past three decades, including eight Olympic Games.
After kicking a goal from directly in front on Friday night, Taylor Walker pointed to the sky and touched his black armband — which his teammates were wearing with him in solidarity — before having an emotional embrace with Chris Burgess.
Speaking before the game, Channel 7 AFL commentator Abbey Holmes offered her condolences to the family.
“Just want to send a huge message of support to Taylor Walker — his father-in-law, Rob Brown, passed away during the week,” she said.
“Rob was an absolute legend of the TV industry here in South Australia and was a cameraman with Channel 7 for many, many years.
“So, to Ellie, Taylor’s wife, and the entire Brown family, our deepest condolences are with you and we are certainly thinking of you during this sad time.
“The Crows are wearing black armbands tonight to remember the great Rob Brown.”
Earlier, 7NEWS Adelaide presenter Rosanna Mangiarelli paid tribute to her friend and longtime colleague.
“’RB’ covered some of the world’s biggest stories for Seven over the last three decades,” she said.
“He was tough, brilliant and award-winning, those closest to him thought the cancer was the only thing that could bring him down.”x
Included in Brown’s peerless portfolio is the Afghanistan, Iraq and East Timor wars, the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, Nelson Mandela’s death, Schapelle Corby and his extraordinary eight Olympics.
7NEWS chief reporter Chris Reason was by Brown’s side for much of his career.
“RB was a giant of his time — a one-man news machine. Name a big story you can remember in the last 30 years, chances are Rob shot the pictures,” he told The Advertiser.
“One of his last jobs was the crash of MH17 in Ukraine. He was walking among the wreckage for days. He was detained by Hezbollah militants one time; I reckon they gave him back when they realised who they were dealing with.
“Fearless, gruff, tough and tattooed; I seriously thought the cancer didn’t stand a chance.
“Sadly, I was wrong. He will be missed.”
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