Former Sydney Swans player Paul Atkins, a highly regarded figure in Tasmanian football, died in a road accident on Saturday night at the age of 57. Tasmania Police confirmed that officers and emergency services responded to a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Moore Road in Wynyard around 10 p.m. The pedestrian, identified as Atkins, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
Atkins played two AFL games for the Sydney Swans in the 1992 season, having previously starred for the Burnie Hawks. He made his debut against the Brisbane Bears and played his second and final senior match the following week against Richmond. He later coached North Launceston in the Tasmanian State League and remained a prominent figure in the sport.
His hometown club, the Wynyard Football Club, remembered Atkins as an "enigmatic person blessed with a great wit" and an "outstanding raconteur." The club noted his journey from Wynyard to statewide football with the Burnie Hawks and Dockers before reaching the AFL. Tributes from clubs, teammates, and supporters have flooded in, honoring his football achievements and character.
The Burnie Dockers Football Club highlighted Atkins' significant contribution to football on Tasmania's northwest coast, noting his 127 senior games for the club, captaincy of the Burnie Hawks in 1994, and three best and fairest awards. The club stated his legacy will endure for generations.
Atkins' identical twin brother, Simon, also had a distinguished AFL career, playing 168 games for Footscray and Fitzroy. He was known as 'The Axe' and was a productive midfielder.
The Relive the Rivalry organisation, where Atkins was a regular participant, announced it would honor him at its late September match and permanently retire his No. 32 playing number. The organisation described him as a driving force behind the event.
Burnie mayor Teeny Brumby also paid tribute, calling Atkins one of the city's football greats and acknowledging his influence through coaching and mentoring.
Police are appealing for anyone with information or relevant dash cam footage to contact them by calling 131 444 and quoting ESCAD 000402-11072026.