Former Australian Football League (AFL) player Paul Atkins, affectionately known as “Axe,” has been profoundly remembered as an inspirational figure and a charismatic individual following his sudden passing on Saturday night. Atkins, 57, tragically died after being struck by a car on Moore Street in Wynyard, Tasmania. His death has prompted widespread tributes from friends, family, and the wider football community, highlighting his significant impact both on and off the field.
A Football Journey Rooted in Wynyard
Paul Atkins, alongside his twin brother Simon, emerged from the Wynyard Football Club, carving out a distinguished path in Australian rules football that eventually led them to the highest level of the sport in the AFL. Their journey from their hometown in Tasmania to national prominence is a testament to their talent and determination. Simon Atkins shared that his brother was instrumental in his own football career, acting as a driving force behind their decision to pursue opportunities in Melbourne.
“I’ve got to thank him for my career. People don’t know that,” Simon Atkins revealed. He recounted how Paul, with his characteristic tenacity, convinced him to embrace the move to Melbourne. “When the AFL teams came knocking, I didn’t want to go,” Simon admitted. “He actually came to Melbourne by himself for a week and trained, came back and said, ‘I think we’ve got to go.’ He went by himself and twisted my arm and in the end I begrudgingly said, ‘All right, I’ll just go and have a look at it,’ and that’s how my career started.” This anecdote underscores Paul’s influential personality and his commitment to his family.
Remembered for Charisma and Generosity
Beyond his football achievements, Paul Atkins is being celebrated for his larger-than-life personality and exceptional storytelling abilities. Friend Gregg Sharman described Paul as someone whose charisma could be bottled, noting his unparalleled talent for captivating an audience. “If you could bottle the man’s charisma, it’d be a valuable thing,” Sharman remarked, emphasizing the profound loss felt by those who knew him.
Sharman recalled watching Paul’s AFL debut for the Sydney Swans in 1992, a moment that, along with the Atkins twins’ careers, was closely followed by many in their hometown. “As a kid growing up, we tracked what the Atkins boys were doing,” he said. “Paul was a childhood idol, really.” Their friendship deepened in the late 1990s, and Paul remained a constant, positive presence in Sharman’s life and the lives of many other Wynyard residents for decades.
Paul’s ability to connect with people was evident in his interactions, whether on the football field or in social settings. Sharman fondly remembered a specific instance where Paul had an entire busload of players “in stitches” during a trip, highlighting his skill as a natural entertainer and orator. “He was a great orator,” Sharman stated, lamenting that Paul would not be able to deliver his own eulogy, a task he would have undoubtedly excelled at.
A Lasting Impact on His Community
The impact of Paul Atkins extended far beyond his sporting career, permeating his professional life and personal relationships. Simon described his brother as someone who dedicated himself fully to every endeavor, a quality that has resonated deeply in the outpouring of grief following his death. “His circle of friends was just massive… I’ve learned that he touched a lot of people,” Simon shared. “Not only in his footy but in his work life, he ground out a reputation in what he did and that was just the mirror of his football career.” This sentiment reflects a man who consistently applied his drive and integrity across all facets of his life.
Braddon independent MP Craig Garland, who knew Paul and Simon since their childhood days at the Wynyard Football Club, also paid a heartfelt tribute. He remembered the twins as distinctive figures, easily recognizable and always together. Garland characterized Paul as the more outgoing of the two, someone who relished engaging conversations over a beer. Their last interaction at a recent community event, “Rockin’ for Robbins,” left Garland with a sense of gratitude, acknowledging the unexpected nature of life and the wish for more time with loved ones.
“He’s one of those fellas, you know, they’re gone and you just wish you’d spent more time with them,” Garland reflected. “But no-one expects this sort of thing to happen. He was a great human being. This is just such a tragedy.” The sentiment that “Wynyard will never be the same” was echoed by close friend Shannon Bakes, who also referred to Paul as an idol in a social media post following his death.
Ongoing Investigation
Tasmania Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision on Moore Street. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that may assist with their inquiries. The sudden loss of Paul Atkins has left a significant void, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the nation, celebrating the life of a man remembered for his inspiration, his love of life, and his enduring human spirit.
