Former AFL player remembered as inspiration and great human who loved life

Wynyard is mourning the loss of Paul Atkins, affectionately known as "Axe," who died Saturday night at the age of 57 after being struck by a car. Friends and loved ones are remembering Atkins for his exceptional charisma, unwavering spirit, and a personality that filled every room.

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If you could bottle the man's charisma, it'd be a valuable thing.

Gregg Sharman described Atkins as a captivating storyteller, lamenting that he couldn't deliver his own eulogy. "If you could bottle the man's charisma, it'd be a valuable thing," Sharman remarked. Atkins' twin brother, Simon, shared that he owes his own Australian Football League career to Paul, who encouraged them both to pursue the sport at its highest level.

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I've got to thank him for my career. People don't know that.

Simon recalled how Paul initially went to Melbourne alone to train and convinced him to follow. "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," Simon said. He remembers his brother as someone who dedicated himself fully to every aspect of his life, which explains the profound grief felt by so many.

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He actually came to Melbourne by himself for a week and trained, came back and said, 'I think we've got to go.'

"His circle of friends was just massive … I've learned that he touched a lot of people," Simon added. Beyond his football career, Atkins also built a strong reputation in his work life, mirroring the dedication he showed on the field. Braddon independent MP Craig Garland also paid tribute, having known the Atkins brothers since childhood.

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His circle of friends was just massive … I've learned that he touched a lot of people.