The flood of emotions surfaced for the AFL veteran’s family following the devastating news they received this week.
Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker paid tribute to his late father-in-law during Friday night’s game against Geelong, dedicating his first goal to Rob Brown, who passed away earlier in the week. Brown, a renowned camera operator in Channel 7’s Adelaide newsroom, had covered numerous significant events, including eight Olympic Games, over his distinguished career spanning three decades.
Following his goal, Walker pointed to the sky and touched his black armband, which his teammates also wore in solidarity. He then shared an emotional embrace with Chris Burgess. Before the game, Channel 7 AFL commentator Abbey Holmes expressed her condolences to the family, highlighting Brown’s remarkable contributions to the television industry in South Australia and offering support to Walker, his wife Ellie, and the entire Brown family during this difficult time.
“The Crows are paying tribute to the late Rob Brown tonight by wearing black armbands.”
Earlier, 7NEWS Adelaide presenter Rosanna Mangiarelli honored her friend and longtime colleague, recalling Brown’s illustrious career spanning three decades. “RB” covered some of the world’s most significant events for Seven, including wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and East Timor, the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, Nelson Mandela’s death, Schapelle Corby, and eight Olympics.
7NEWS chief reporter Chris Reason reflected on Brown’s remarkable contributions, describing him as a “giant of his time” and a “one-man news machine.” Brown’s bravery and dedication were evident in his coverage of major events, including the MH17 crash in Ukraine, where he worked tirelessly among the wreckage. Despite his tough exterior, Brown’s battle with cancer ultimately took its toll, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
