Joel Selwood

Not to be confused with Joe Sellwood.
Joel Selwood

Joel Selwood
Personal information
Full nameJoel Anthony Selwood
Nickname(s)Boy Wonder [1][2]
Date of birth26 May 1988[3]
Place of birthBendigo, Victoria
Original teamSandhurst (BFL)
Bendigo Pioneers (TAC Cup)
Draft7th overall, 2006 National Draft
Height/Weight182 cm / 86 kg[3]
Position(s)Midfielder
Club information
Current clubGeelong
Number14
Playing career1
YearsClubGames (Goals)
2007–Geelong184 (115)
Representative team honours
YearsTeamGames (Goals)
2008Victoria1 (0)
International team honours
2014Australia1 (0)
1 Playing statistics correct to end of 2014 season.
2 State and international statistics correct as of 2014.
Career highlights

Joel Anthony Selwood (born 26 May 1988) is an Australian rules footballer and the current captain of the Geelong Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). A midfielder, 1.82 metres (6.0 ft) tall and weighing 86 kilograms (190 lb), Selwood is able to contribute inside or outside while on the ball.

A standout junior track and field athlete and footballer, Selwood entered top-level football early, joining the TAC Cup competition as a bottom-aged player. His accomplishments as a junior included Most Valuable Player awards at state and international levels, captaining Australia in the International Rules Series, and selection in the All-Australian and TAC Cup Team of the Year sides. Despite a serious knee injury during his final year of junior football, Selwood was selected with Geelong's first pick, and seventh overall, in the 2006 AFL Draft.

Selwood made his AFL debut in 2007, winning the AFL Rising Star Award and AFLPA Best First Year Player Award. He has since become a triple premiership player, a NAB Cup winner, a four-time All-Australian—twice as captain—a triple Carji Greeves Medallist, a Michael Tuck Medallist, an AFLPA Best Captain Award winner, and a four-time recipient of the AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award. Selwood has also captained Australia in the International Rules Series, represented the Victorian state team as the youngest player to feature in the all-star event, and has been awarded life membership with Geelong. Selwood holds one of the highest winning–percentage records of any player in VFL-AFL history, helping the club reach three successive AFL Grand Finals from 2007–2009 and another in 2011. After serving one season as the club vice-captain in 2011, Selwood was appointed as the captain of Geelong at the beginning of 2012.

Early life

Joel Selwood was born to Bryce and Maree Selwood in the country town of Bendigo, Victoria.[4] He was raised in a family of sportspeople. His mother Maree was a top runner and tennis player, and elder twins Adam and Troy were identified as talented footballers at a young age.[5] As a two-year-old, Selwood was forced to wear splints on his leg to help overcome a walking disability.[4]

Selwood displayed athletic talent from an early age.[4] He was the state hurdling champion from under-10s through to the under-15s, and in one year held every running and jumping record at the Bendigo Sports Centre, except the 100 metres sprint.[4] Growing up with his older brothers, Selwood was accustomed to playing with bigger teammates and opponents. By the time he was eight years old, he had played his first competitive game of football, against children four years his senior, and had kicked three goals.[4]

Selwood attended Catholic College Bendigo and played junior football with the Sandhurst Football Club, until he was chosen to play for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup competition throughout 2005.[5][6]

A lot of the old judges up here going back to when I played juniors believed the best junior to come out of Bendigo was Rod Ashman. But they were saying four or five years ago Joel was better than Ashy at the same age.

Although his age made him ineligible to enter the 2005 AFL Draft, Selwood's accomplishments during the year led to AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan rating him "the best 17-year-old in Australia".[7] Bendigo Pioneers regional manager Ray Byrne noted that "ability-wise, Joel was streets ahead of everyone. Even at an early age, he was a standout".[6] Byrne praised Selwood's professionalism, noting that he had "never seen a kid prepare in the TAC Cup like Joel (Selwood). He had a fantastic football brain, he could sort it out within 10 minutes of a game who should be where and (doing) what".[6] Selwood received an array of accolades and honours as a bottom-aged player,[7] winning mid-year State honours for Victoria Country in the AFL National Championships. His performances in the championships earned him end-of-year All-Australian honours and the Most Valuable Player award for Victoria Country. In addition, he was named in the TAC Cup Team of the Year, awarded a scholarship within the prestigious AIS-AFL Academy, and subsequently captained his older teammates in the annual under-18s International Rules Series in Ireland. His performances in Ireland earned him the Ron Barassi Medal, as the adjudicated Most Valuable Player of the tour.[8] Selwood's achievements in local football were recognised when he was listed as a finalist in the 2006 Bendigo Sports Star of the Year Award.[9]

Returning in 2006 with the Pioneers, Selwood entered his final year of junior football as one of the top rated prospects in his age group.[10] His achievements at the junior level were recognised early by the AFL Player's Association, when he was awarded the Mike Fitzpatrick Scholarship,[11] and the AFL Life Members Education Fund Award.[12] Rewarded with the captaincy of Bendigo for his final season, Selwood again won mid-year State honours for Victoria Country. However, a knee injury occurred only six rounds into the competition forcing him to undergo surgery—his fourth knee operation within two years—prematurely ending his season.[13]

AFL career

2007–2008: "Boy Wonder"

Selwood was drafted by the Geelong Football Club with their first selection, and was the seventh overall draft pick in the 2006 AFL Draft.[14] Although many recruiting scouts viewed him as "the finest pure footballer in the draft",[15] and a potential top pick, there was still concern surrounding the durability of his knee.[15] Nonetheless, as the equal highest-ever draft pick for the Cats,[16] Selwood made his debut in the opening round of the 2007 AFL Season and missed only four games during the regular season.[17]

Wearing a navy sleeveless jersey and shorts, young male athlete strides from the grass surface of the playing arena.
Selwood leaves the ground after a game in 2007.

Selwood's transition to the AFL drew positive comments throughout the footballing community;[18] former Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews noted how "from [his] first game ... he looked like he had played 200 of them".[19] Geelong coach Mark Thompson labelled the 18-year-old Selwood the best youngster to have come under his tutelage during his time at the club.[20][21] Geelong captain Tom Harley observed that an 18-year-old Selwood had "an air of confidence - not arrogance but assuredness" that he had never seen before at that age.[22] From the beginning, Selwood showed an ability to influence games; in just his fourth appearance he led his older and more experienced teammates with a game of 25 disposals and nine tackles. This achievement, described as inspiring,[23] earned him an AFL Rising Star Award nomination. The Geelong coaching staff had a highlights package made of this performance, to screen to the rest of the team during the match review later that week.[24] Selwood's impact on the game as a first–year player prompted numerous comparisons to Chris Judd, who a few years earlier had been lauded for his first-year success as an 18-year-old.[1]

At the conclusion of the home and away period, Selwood's regular contributions resulted in several individual accolades. Polling 44 out of a possible 45 votes, he was awarded the inaugural Ron Evans Medal as the winner of the AFL Rising Star Award.[25] Selwood earned the maximum five votes from eight of the nine judges, the other awarding him four out of five. This meant that eight of the nine judges rated him as the best nominee.[26] Selwood was also awarded the prestigious AFLPA Best First Year Player Award, winning over 70% of all votes from his peers. He became only the fourth player to win both the major awards for first–year players.[27]

There are very few that play like Joel Selwood plays and have such a dominant year ... to have that type of year, I think that's a bit of a rarity.

Having helped Geelong finish first on the ladder and win the McClelland Trophy, Selwood made his finals debut in the 2nd Qualifying Final against the Kangaroos (now North Melbourne) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).[29] In front of nearly 80,000 spectators, Selwood amassed 22 disposals, five marks, five clearances, six inside 50s, five tackles, and five score assists, helping Geelong to a club finals record 106 point victory.[30][31] Although Selwood struggled to contribute in the Preliminary Final against Collingwood two weeks later,[32] he returned to form for the 2007 AFL Grand Final at the MCG against Port Adelaide.[33] With 18 disposals, five marks, five clearances—the most of any Geelong player—seven inside 50s, four tackles, and an equal game-high four score assists,[34] Selwood helped the Cats to a record 119 point win.[35] At 19 years of age, Selwood became the youngest person to play in a winning Grand Final team in 10 years.[36] He was also the first to win the AFL Rising Star Award and play in a premiership side within the same season,[16] making him one of the most accomplished first year players in league history.[28][37] Selwood's debut year achievements resulted in him becoming the highest-paid first–year player in AFL history.[38]

Selwood finished the season ranked first among all first–year players in several major statistical categories;[30] total possessions (405), disposals per game (19.3), kicks (216), handpasses (189), marks (109), tackles (94)—the most ever by any first–year AFL player[39]—and tackles per game (4.5). His 23 score assists during the season also ranked him within the top ten in the league.[30] Selwood added to his list of first year honours at season's end with the Geelong Football Club Best First Year Player Award, along with a top 20 placing in the Club Champion award.[40] He also received several media end of year sporting awards.[41]

Young male athlete stands in a navy blue and white striped sleeveless shirt and blue navy shorts. With an opponent approaching him, he looks to the left and prepares to handpass the red football.
Selwood prepares to handpass the football during a game.

Selwood continued to establish himself as a key player in the Geelong midfield during the 2008 AFL season,[42] helping the Cats achieve a record-equalling 21-win season and secure the McClelland Trophy for the second successive year.[43] Selwood also claimed the third–longest all-time winning streak by an individual player in VFL/AFL history; 25 successive wins before a mid-season loss to Collingwood.[44] His standout season was rewarded when he was selected to play for Victoria in the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match All-Star event.[45] In gaining selection for the Victorian team, Selwood, at 19 years of age, became the youngest player to represent "The Big V" in more than 12 years.[46] He was also selected for the preliminary 2008 All-Australian squad, placed sixth for the Leigh Matthews Trophy as the AFLPA Most Valuable Player, and finished third in voting for the Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award.[47] Selwood also polled 19 votes in the Brownlow Medal, awarded to the "best and fairest" player in the AFL, to place fifth overall, and second among his teammates.[42] Selwood's consistency and performances over his first two seasons was also recognised by the AFL Coaches Association, who awarded him the Best Young Player Award.[48] Geelong qualified for the finals series and progressed to the Grand Final for the second consecutive year, but were defeated by Hawthorn. Selwood's performance in the final, during which he gathered 29 disposals—including a team-high nine contested possessions—six marks, six tackles, and six inside 50s, were recognised as he placed fourth in Norm Smith Medal voting for best afield in the Grand Final.[49]

Selwood's year, during which he averaged more than 25 disposals, 4 marks, and 4 tackles per game, was also rewarded with a top five finish in the Carji Greeves Medal (Geelong's Best and Fairest).[50] He finished the season ranked within the top ten in the league for possessions (613), disposals per game (25.5), and handpasses (327).[30] His total of 63 free kicks earned during the season was also the highest recorded since the AFL began in 1990, breaking the previous record of 54 set by Luke Darcy five years earlier.[51]

With his rookie contract due to expire, concern mounted during the year over Geelong's ability to retain Selwood beyond the season.[52] With almost half of their premiership–winning team out of contract, Geelong could only offer contracts paying significantly less than other clubs.[52] However, Selwood signed a new two–year deal with the club, citing "club success and future opportunities" as his reasons for accepting the reduced salary.[53]

2009–2011: Continued success

Young male athlete stands in a white and navy blue and striped sleeveless shirt and white shorts. He stands alone and looks to the right while preparing the kick the football.
Selwood prepares to kick the football during a 2009 finals game.

Before the 2009 AFL season, Selwood was appointed to the club's seven-man leadership group at just 20 years of age.[54] After the 2008 Grand Final loss ended Geelong's previous season, Selwood and his teammates began their 2009 campaign by capturing the pre-season NAB Cup for the second time in four years.[55] Selwood's 33 disposals, 11 clearances, and 2 goals earned him the Michael Tuck Medal as the player adjudged best afield in this final.[55] In round five, Selwood made his 50th senior appearance, setting a new VFL/AFL record for the highest percentage of wins inside 50 games. His involvement in 46 victories set a winning percentage of 92 percent.[56] In addition, Selwood's 50th appearance coincided with the club's own record-setting effort for the most successful 50 game stretch in VFL/AFL history. Geelong had won 47 out of 50 games—Selwood had been involved in 46—eclipsing Essendon's return of 46 wins and 4 losses during their dominant stretch during the 1999–2001 seasons.[57]

During the round seventeen Grand Final rematch against Hawthorn, Selwood achieved career highs of 42 disposals, 10 marks, and 11 tackles.[30] Geelong midfielder Cameron Ling described Selwood's performance as: "Absolutely amazing... He just single-handedly lifted the whole group with his intensity around the ball. It's surprising that he's only in his third year. He's something pretty special".[58] Selwood helped Geelong compile an 18–4 win-loss record during the season to become the first team in league history to produce three consecutive home and away campaigns with 18 or more wins.[59] Geelong qualified for the finals series in second position on the ladder, before reaching the preliminary final for the third consecutive season. Selwood matched a career–high in finals games with 29 disposals and 9 marks during the Cats 73 point win over Collingwood, leading the club to their third successive Grand Final appearance.[60] During the final against St Kilda, Selwood addressed the playing group with a "stirring speech"[61] as Geelong entered the half–time break trailing by 6 points. Teammate Andrew Mackie lauded Selwood as "a born leader"[62] and credited the team's second half turnaround to Selwood's reminder to "go back to basics and focus upon tackling".[62] Selwood finished the game with 24 disposals—including a team–high 12 contested possessions and equal game–high 16 handpasses—4 marks, 6 clearances, a team–high 10 first possessions, 3 tackles, and 1 goal to help the Cats record a 12 point win and secure their second premiership in three seasons.[63]

Selwood's standout year was recognised by his peers when he became the youngest-ever winner of the AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award, and placed fifth for the Leigh Matthews Trophy as the AFLPA Most Valuable Player.[64][65] Selwood also finished sixth in the Brownlow Medal, polling 16 votes to finish second at Geelong behind eventual winner Gary Ablett.[66] He became the first footballer to win the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year Award, adding to his season's list of accolades.[9] After averaging 28 disposals and 5 tackles per game over the course of the season, Selwood was also awarded with All-Australian honours for the first time in his career and a second successive top five placing for the Carji Greeves Medal.[67][68] Selwood finished the year ranked fourth in the league for total disposals (691), third for total handpasses (389), second for contested possessions (236) and eighth for hard-ball gets.[69] For the second successive season, he also led the league for total free kicks earned (59) and finished the year ranked within the top five at Geelong in several major statistical categories.[30]

Prior to the 2010 AFL season, Selwood was retained as the youngest member of the club's revamped leadership group. Despite being unable to defend their NAB Cup title over the pre-season, Geelong re-signed Selwood to a new two-year contract with the club.[70] Selwood highlighted his desire to "give a little bit back (to Geelong) by working hard and working through the next era of Geelong football".[71] During the home and away campaign, Selwood set various personal milestones: in a round six fixture against Richmond, Selwood made a career–high 29 handpasses—also the third–highest recorded in AFL history[72]—while in a round nineteen match against Collingwood he gathered a career–high 20 contested possessions.[73] In total, Selwood made 24 appearances during the season to help the club achieve a 17–5 record and qualify for the finals series in second position on the ladder. Geelong faced a 2009 Grand Final rematch against St Kilda during the first week of the finals series, and were defeated in a qualifying final for the first time in four years. Selwood was restricted to just four disposals in the first half of the qualifying final loss, his lowest return in a half of football since his debut match in 2007.[74] The following week, he responded with a 33 disposal semi–final performance—including a game–high 12 contested possessions and career–high 11 clearances—to help Geelong defeat Fremantle and progress to the preliminary final for the fourth consecutive season. However, Geelong's defeat to Collingwood subsequently denied them a fourth successive appearance in the Grand Final, and marked Selwood's absence from a Grand Final for the first time in his career to date.

Despite the club's lack of any silverware for the first time in four years, Selwood's individual season was recognised and rewarded on various fronts. He was once again nominated by his peers for both the AFLPA Most Valuable Player Award and the AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award, placing fifth and second overall respectively.[75] During the 2010 Brownlow Medal count, Selwood polled 21 votes to place fourth overall and second at Geelong behind Gary Ablett, Jr. (26 votes).[76] Selwood was selected in the All-Australian team for the second successive year, and also placed third in the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award.[77] He also won his first Carji Greeves Medal, awarded for being the Geelong Football Club's best and fairest player during the 2010 season.[78] Selwood finished the season ranked eighth in the league for total disposals (677), third for total handpasses (388)—also the 10th most in AFL history—second for total free kicks earned (53), and seventh for total inside 50s (110)[30] Selwood highlighted his consistency by gathering over 20 disposals in 21 of 24 games—11 of which were games with 30 or more disposals—and compiling a six game streak during which he gathered over 30 possessions from Round 13 to Round 18.[30]

After serving for two years in the club's leadership group, Selwood was promoted to the vice-captaincy position for the 2011 AFL Season. During the round eight match against Collingwood, Selwood made his 100th appearance for the club. He became the fifth-quickest player in VFL/AFL history to play 100 games, reaching the milestone four years and forty-two days after making his debut.[22][79] Selwood's consistency was highlighted by his ability to play in 100 of a possible 106 games since entering the league.[79] His record of 85 wins, together with his numerous awards and achievements, led to Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge proclaiming the milestone as "probably the most highly credentialed 100 games anyone has ever played".[22]

Following the round twelve match against Hawthorn, Selwood was reported for a striking offense against Brent Guerra and subsequently suspended for four matches. It was the first time Selwood had been reported and suspended during his career.[80] Selwood continued to set various milestones throughout the season; he collected a career-high 43 disposals against Melbourne in round nineteen, kicked a career-best 3 goals against Gold Coast in round twenty, and equalled a career-best 11 tackles in both round nineteen against Melbourne and round twenty-four against Collingwood.

Selwood and Geelong finished the season with a 19-3 win-loss record to qualify for the finals series in second position on the ladder. Following consecutive wins against Hawthorn in the Qualifying Final and West Coast in the Preliminary Final, Geelong progressed through to the Grand Final against Collingwood. Selwood's performance in the final, during which he gathered a team-high 28 disposals, laid 7 tackles, and kicked 2 goals, were recognised as he placed runner-up in Norm Smith Medal voting for the adjudicated best afield player. Geelong defeated Collingwood to record a 38 point victory and earn Selwood his third premiership medallion in five seasons.

Selwood's performances throughout the season saw him recognised with various nominations at the end of the season. He was named to the preliminary All-Australian squad and was once again nominated by his peers for both the AFLPA Most Valuable Player Award and the AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award. He collected at least 20 disposals in 18 of his 20 games for the season and ranked equal first for inside 50s (114) at the club.

2012–current: Captaining the Cats

Following the retirement of Cameron Ling, Selwood was appointed as the club captain prior to the 2012 AFL season.[81] His elevation made him the youngest captain of the Geelong Football Club in more than a decade. At the time of his appointment, Selwood admitted to "always wanting to lead the Geelong Football Club in a manner, if I was captain or not captain" and being driven to "want to make this football club successful for a long time".[82] Geelong proceeded to re-sign Selwood on a five year contract—the first time the club had handed out a long-term contract of that length since Gary Ablett, Sr. in 1987.[83]

During the season, Geelong coach Chris Scott praised Selwood as "probably the toughest player I've ever seen...he gets hit in the head a lot...he just sees the ball and he puts his head down and he goes as hard as anyone possibly could".[84] Despite Selwood's individual efforts, the Cats finished with a 15-7 win-loss record at the conclusion of the season to finish sixth on the ladder. This represented the first time in Selwood's career that the club had not qualified with a double-chance for the finals series, setting them up for an Elimination Final match against Fremantle. Despite Selwood's contribution of a game-high 28 disposals and team-high six inside-50s, the Cats were defeated by 16 points and exited the finals series—the first time that the club had failed to progress beyond the first week since Selwood had begun his career.

Selwood's performances throughout the season firmed his position as Geelong's top midfielder—he gathered more possessions than any of his teammates and ranked within the top ten throughout the league for clearances per game, contested possessions per game, and inside-50s per game—culminating in his second placing to Tom Hawkins for the Carji Greeves Medal and a nomination to the preliminary All-Australian squad. He won the AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award for the second time in his career, sharing the honour with Beau Waters. His impressive first year as club captain was also recognised as he finished runner-up in the AFLPA Best Captain Award voting. Selwood's accomplishments and achievements at the club were honoured when he was presented with life membership of the Geelong Football Club after just six seasons.

Selwood and Geelong began the 2013 AFL season on a seven game winning streak before finishing with an improved 18-4 win-loss record to qualify in second position for the finals series. During the season, Selwood made his 150th appearance for the club and set a club record for the fastest 150 games played from debut (six years and one hundred and four days). In doing so, Selwood surpassed the previous record set by Jack Hawkins (seven years and four days). He also became the third youngest player (25 years, 48 days) in club history to reach 150 games, behind only Ken Newland (24 years, 85 days) and Gary Ablett, Jr. (24 years, 339 days).[85] He also set a VFL/AFL record for the greatest winning percentage amongst 150 game players, having won 124 of his first 150 games (83% winning percentage) since debuting in 2007.[86]

Following his 150th appearance, Selwood displayed an improved goal kicking ability by kicking 17 goals in the remaining 7 games of the season.[87] His coach Chris Scott acknowledged that Selwood had identified goal kicking as an area of improvement within his game, and credited Selwood for taking responsibility to work hard and improve at it.[88] Geelong began their finals series against Fremantle in a Qualifying Final, but were defeated by 15 points. The defeat forced the club into a Semi Final against Port Adelaide—the first finals game between both clubs since the 2007 AFL Grand Final. Selwood contributed 27 disposals, 4 marks, and 4 tackles to lead Geelong to a 16 point victory—his first finals win as captain. The win ensured Geelong's progression through to the Preliminary Final against Hawthorn, to play-off for a position in the 2013 AFL Grand Final. Despite Selwood's contribution of 23 disposals, 4 tackles, and 1 goal however, the Cats were defeated by 5 points and finished the season in third place.

Selwood's elevated performances throughout the season were recognised and rewarded through several end of season awards. He was named to his third All-Australian as the starting centerman and honoured with the captaincy of the All-Australian team for the first time in his career.[89] He won his first ever AFLPA Best Captain Award whilst also being honoured with his second consecutive, and third overall AFLPA Robert Rose Award as the adjudicated most courageous player. Selwood also placed as the runner-up to Gary Ablett for both the AFLPA Most Valuable Player Award and the Brownlow Medal, his highest placing for both individual awards. He also finished third in the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award. Having finished the season at the club with the most clearances (128), second most disposals (615), second most tackles (140), second most inside 50s (103), fourth most goals (30), and third most goal assists (20) he was rewarded with his second Carji Greeves Medal.

Despite injuring his hamstring during the pre-season, Selwood recovered in time to lead Geelong to an unbeaten record over the first five rounds of the 2014 home and away period. He averaged over 27 disposals, 6 tackles, and a goal during the winning streak until the club suffered their first loss for the season against Port Adelaide in round six. Geelong were defeated a further three times over the following two months, coinciding with Selwood's lower averages of 19 disposals and 4 tackles a game. Despite his overall inconsistent performances, Selwood was nonetheless praised for his ability to continually make key contributions during games—he kicked the winning goal against Carlton in round twelve and scored three goals against St Kilda in round thirteen from only 11 disposals.[90][91] Selwood's coach Chris Scott lauded him as having "a mark of a great player"[90] who could "find a way to change things ... and play his best when the game was demanding it"[90] even after "struggling at times within games and when it seemingly isn’t going (his) way".[90] Carlton coach Mick Malthouse similarly praised Selwood as "an outstanding player ... he wills his side to win"[91] and the player he would pick to have in his own team if given the choice.[91] Selwood and the Cats finished the season with a 17-5 win-loss record to qualify in third position for the finals series. In the qualifying final against Hawthorn, Selwood gathered 31 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 9 clearances, 6 tackles, and 3 goals but was unable to prevent a 36 point defeat. Needing to defeat North Melbourne in the subsequent semi final in order to remain in the finals series, Selwood accumulated 24 disposals, a game-high 16 contested possessions, a game-high 11 clearances, and 8 tackles. However, he was again unable to prevent 6 point defeat and Geelong were eliminated from the finals series. The loss represented the first time that Selwood had experienced consecutive defeats in a finals series with Geelong.

Despite his team's exit from the finals series, Selwood was recognised and rewarded for his individual season through several end of season awards. He won his fourth overall All-Australian as the starting ruck rover, and was honoured with the captaincy for the second successive season. He also won his third consecutive, and fourth overall AFLPA Robert Rose Award as the adjudicated most courageous player. In addition, he also placed second for the AFLPA Best Captain Award, eighth overall for the AFLPA Most Valuable Player Award, seventh in voting for the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award, and fourth overall in the Brownlow Medal. Selwood's 21 votes in the 2014 Brownlow Medal count saw him set a new club record for most career polled Brownlow Medal votes by a Geelong player.[92] His total of 137 votes across 8 seasons moved him ahead of Garry Hocking, who had previously held the club record with 133 votes in 15 seasons.[92] His importance to the team throughout the season was demonstrated as he led the team in total disposals (614), tackles (144), clearances (153), and inside 50s (100) while kicking the third most goals (24) and providing the second most goal assists (20). His influence was highlighted as he won the club Coach's Award as well as his second successive—and third overall—Carji Greeves Medal as the adjudicated club best and fairest player of the year. In doing so he became the seventh player in the club's history to win at least three Carji Greeves Medal's.[93][94]

During the off-season, Selwood was appointed as the national team captain of Australia for the 2014 International Rules Series against Ireland. Playing in the midfield, Selwood kicked one over in the lone test match and led Australia to a 56-46 win against Ireland. In winning their 20th test match against Ireland, Australia reclaimed the Cormac McAnallen Trophy for the first time since 2010.

Player profile

He's the type of player I look at from afar and say, 'I'd love to be in the trenches with him'. I love how hard he is at the footy, how humble he is ... He can play inside or outside and can use the footy ... He's going to go down as one of the greats of the last 10 years. With (James) Hird, (Mark) Ricciuto, (Nathan) Buckley and those sort of guys ... (He's in the) same mould as (Michael) Voss

Selwood is primarily regarded as an inside midfielder, and is noted for his physical approach, his ability to find space on the ground, and for winning the ball.[96] Leigh Matthews has complimented Selwood as "already the best wet-weather player in the game",[20] a view shared by Nathan Buckley, who notes that Selwood "plays with a physicality and intensity that is the benchmark of the competition, consistently (finding) third and fourth efforts to win the contested ball".[97] Three-time Most Courageous Player Award winner Jonathan Brown has also praised Selwood for his physical and courageous approach to winning the football, describing him as "one of the blokes (all players) within the AFL love watching".[42] Selwood's teammates Joel Corey and Cameron Ling have also acknowledged his maturity. They regard him as one of the most physical players in the game,[98][99] while Jason Dunstall declared Selwood to be "as fierce and competitive a beast you’ll ever see".[100]

His physical and courageous approach however, has resulted in various concussion or head–related injuries during his career. This has prompted commentary regarding Selwood's long–term well–being.[101] Greg Williams argues that "he (Selwood) can't protect himself ... he is a champion player and courageous, but he is too courageous for his own good. If he keeps getting concussed, it's a huge issue for him in life and they have do to something about it".[101]

Since his arrival at the club his leadership ability has consistently been praised, culminating in his appointment as club captain at the age of 23.[22][98][99][102][103] Selwood's teammate Jimmy Bartel noted that "since he walked into the club he had 'captain' written all over him. That goes to all areas; the way he handles himself amongst the group, his professionalism, the way he prepares to play, the way he leads on the field, the way he attacks the game".[81] Melbourne captain Nathan Jones declared that Selwood's leadership qualities were those he respected and strove to emulate as a fellow AFL captain.[104]

Selwood has summarised his leadership style on the field as "getting into that emotional state where you'd just do anything for your teammates", and off the field as "caring for your teammates and making sure they're OK and you're making them better people".[89] He considers his predecessors at Geelong, Tom Harley and Cameron Ling, as his greatest role models for leadership.[89][105]

Selwood has stated his career intention to "work really hard on the basics".[106] Despite his admitting to being "not the fastest player, or most skillful",[106] his hard running, tackling and one percent plays are important elements to his overall game.[107] Because of his aggressive style-of-play, Selwood has gathered a reputation as a "head–over–the–ball specialist"[108] and for consistently putting himself in positions to break tackles and win free kicks.[109][110] His ability to "buckle his knees, (get) down and pull his arm up so that the tackler's arm goes up above the neck"[111] has been declared by former Hawthorn captain Shane Crawford as "almost impossible to stop at times"[110] and is reflected in his regular standing among league leaders for total free kicks received.[51][108] It has also led to opposition players noting specific techniques to tackling Selwood—Carlton’s Kade Simpson admitted it was important to "get in low" because "he’s such a master at lifting the elbows, which tries to slip the tackle up around the neck ... it’s frustrating, but there’s no doubt it’s a skill. If you can force a tackle up high it’s just the same as breaking a tackle".[110] Selwood has declared the technique as a "benefit and an advantage I’m getting at the moment on someone else because I see a weakness in what they are doing ... the majority of the time they are doing 95 per cent of the tackle right. It’s just that five per cent where I can use my upper body strength, I can dip at the knees slightly".[110] Former Brisbane Lions captain Michael Voss agrees, stating "all he’s doing is keeping his feet, dropping his legs and he’s got a fantastic tenchique in rolling his shoulder ... Selwood shouldn’t be penalised because he’s stronger than the tackler. If I was playing today and I could develop that technique, I’d be looking at it".[110]

Selwood's all-around ability to contribute as an attacking inside or outside midfielder has been highlighted by his regular ranking among the top five at the club for total disposals, clearances, first possessions, contested possessions, uncontested possessions, tackles, inside 50s, and score assists.[40] As of 2013, Selwood holds the fourth highest career average for disposals per game among currently active players (25.28).[73] Buckley has complimented Selwood's all-around game, making note of his "(preparedness) to pressure the opposition in defence as ferociously as he attacks".[97] Throughout his career, Selwood has carried an above–average disposal efficiency of 75%.[112] Footballing experts have praised his decision-making ability when considering his overall productivity with the football.[20][28]

Personal life

Selwood is the third of four children born to Bryce and Maree Selwood. He has three brothers, all having been listed with AFL clubs; two older brothers, twins Adam (played for West Coast) and Troy (Formerly of the Brisbane Lions and the previous Geelong VFL captain ) and a younger brother, Scott (West Coast). Maree was awarded the 2005 AFL Players Association Mother of the Year Award for her contribution to football through each of her sons.[113] Selwood is also a descendant of the three Crapper brothers, granduncles to Maree, each of whom played VFL football in the 1930s.[114]

Since winning the National Australia Bank-sponsored AFL Rising Star Award, Selwood has been involved in several promotions for the bank, in an ambassadorial role and in several television advertisement appearances.[115] He is also an ambassador for the AFL's junior development program, Auskick, annually acting as a mentor for the junior player deemed 'Auskicker of the Year'.[116] Along with his parents and brothers, Selwood works on behalf of the Seeing Eye Dogs Association (SEDA) organisation. Selwood and his family sponsor pups who are being trained as a seeing eye dogs—one named "Selwood" in his family's honour. SEDA has said that the family's widespread dispersal around Australia, with Adam and Scott in Western Australia, Joel and Troy remaining in Victoria, has helped to publicise the organisation's nationwide activity.[117] During the 2010 season, Selwood was officially appointed as the club's community ambassador for various charitable community activities.[118] Selwood subsequently became the public face of both the Cotton On Foundation and its sponsorship for the rebuilding of the children's ward at Geelong Hospital.[119]

Early success on the field has led to several endorsement and promotional deals with companies including Asics[120] and Smith's.[121] Selwood also features in a special edition Monopoly AFL premiership gameboard, occupying Bow Street.[122]

Selwood has been a lifelong supporter of the Geelong Football Club,[16][123] and cites the club's own Hall of Fame member Gary Ablett as a childhood idol, along with Sydney players Paul Kelly and Brett Kirk.[95] He currently resides in Geelong West, where he lives with a pair of childhood friends.[124] Prior to the 2009 AFL premiership season, Selwood was elected to the AFL Players Association committee as the Geelong alternate delegate representative.[125]

Statistics

Statistics are correct to the end of the 2014 season [126]
Legend
 G  Goals  B  Behinds  K  Kicks  H  Handballs  D  Disposals  M  Marks  T  Tackles
Season Team # Games G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
Totals Averages (per game)
2007 Geelong 14 21 7 8 215 189 404 109 95 0.3 0.4 10.2 9.0 19.2 5.2 4.5
2008 Geelong 14 24 6 9 283 324 607 102 78 0.3 0.4 11.8 13.5 25.3 4.3 3.3
2009 Geelong 14 25 11 10 301 386 687 111 118 0.4 0.4 12.0 15.4 27.5 4.4 4.7
2010 Geelong 14 24 9 10 289 388 677 112 126 0.4 0.4 12.0 16.2 28.2 4.7 5.3
2011 Geelong 14 20 15 12 296 222 518 82 125 0.8 0.6 14.8 11.1 25.9 4.1 6.3
2012 Geelong 14 21 13 12 293 246 539 74 118 0.6 0.6 14.0 11.7 25.7 3.5 5.6
2013 Geelong 14 25 30 16 307 308 615 102 140 1.2 0.6 12.3 12.3 24.6 4.1 5.6
2014 Geelong 14 24 24 16 311 303 614 109 144 1.0 0.7 13.0 12.6 25.6 4.5 6.0
Career 184 115 93 2295 2366 4661 801 944 0.6 0.5 12.5 12.9 25.3 4.4 5.1

Honours and achievements

Brownlow Medal votes
Season Votes
2007 2
2008 19
2009 16
2010 21
2011 17
2012 14
2013 27
2014 21
Total 137
Key:
Green / Bold = Won
Selwood at Geelong's 2011 premiership parade.

Team

Individual

Other Achievements

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Niall, J, "Joel Selwood follows Judd", The Age, 13 August 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 19 September 2007.
  2. ↑ ASICS, "Joel Selwood ASICS Athlete Profile", ASICS. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Slattery, p. 94.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Gleeson, Michael (1 September 2007). "Hard Selwood". The Age. Archived from the original on 1 September 2007.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 McClure, G, "Selwoods take it one son at a time", The Age, 5 July 2005. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2007.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Matthews, B, "Joel Selwood versus Jarryn Geary", The Herald Sun, 4 July 2009. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Selwood in running for top award", The Bendigo Advertiser, 12 July 2007. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
  8. ↑ Witham, J, "NAB AFL Rising Star nomination: round 5", Australian Football League & Bigpond, 1 May 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2007.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 The Bendigo Advertiser, "Selwood creates history", The Bendigo Advertiser, 13 March 2010. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 15 March 2010.
  10. ↑ "Joel Selwood wins the NAB AFL Rising Star Award", National Australia Bank, 5 September 2007. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2007.
  11. ↑ Murnane, J, "Nine AFLPA Mike Fitzpatrick scholarship selected in AFL draft", Australian Football League Players Association, 27 November 2006. Archived from the original on 2 September 2007. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
  12. ↑ [ "Naitanui already making headlines"], Australian Football League & Bigpond, 14 September 2007. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2008.
  13. ↑ Gullan, p. 140.
  14. ↑ Walls, R, "The next generation of superstars", The Age, 23 June 2007. Archived from the original on 13 September 2007. Retrieved 3 October 2007.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Gleeson, M, "Geelong captures a Selwood and calms a mother's heart", The Age, 26 November 2006. Archived from the original on 5 March 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2007.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Slattery, p. 18.
  17. ↑ "Joel Selwood 2007 game statistics", footywire.com. Retrieved 21 July 2009
  18. ↑ Slattery, p. 81.
  19. ↑ "Lions' Leuenberger earns rave reviews", The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 August 2007. Archived from the original on 5 March 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2008.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 Gullan, S, "Rising Star award down to two", The Herald Sun, 14 July 2007. Archived from the original on 5 March 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2007.
  21. ↑ Witham, J, "Selwood reminiscent of Bartel", Australian Football League & Bigpond, 5 September 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2007.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 Ralph, J, "Joel Selwood not too young to captain Geelong", The Herald Sun, 11 May 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2013
  23. ↑ Gullan, p. 70.
  24. ↑ Gullan, p. 79.
  25. ↑ Shields, J "Joel Selwood's star qualities", The Geelong Advertiser, 6 September 2007. Archived from the original on 5 March 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2007.
  26. ↑ "Joel Selwood wins the NAB AFL Rising Star award", Australian Football League & Bigpond, 5 September 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2007.
  27. ↑ Quayle, Emma (26 July 2009). "Bottom line: '08 draft a beauty". The Sunday Age.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Sherwood, M, "Selwood's season rare for a rookie: Sheehan", The Canberra Times, 3 October 2007. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2007.
  29. ↑ Boulon, M, "Cats' rising star looks for a flag", The Age, 6 September 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 30.5 30.6 30.7 "Joel Selwood statistics", footywire.com. Retrieved 4 August 2009
  31. ↑ Lienert, S. "Cats pound 'Roos in record thrashing", news.com.au, 9 September 2008. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2008.
  32. ↑ Townley, p. 101.
  33. ↑ "Big brother Adam expects Joel to handle hype", The Geelong Advertiser, 29 September 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2007
  34. ↑ "Joel's stunning season", The Bendigo Advertiser, 1 October 2007. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2008.
  35. ↑ "Premiership a doddle for teenage sensation". Australian Football League. 30 September 2007. Archived from the original on 21 April 2007.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Williams, R, "Selwood wanted premiership ride", Herald Sun, 1 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 February 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2007.
  37. ↑ Slattery, p. 48.
  38. ↑ Barrett, D. "Cats cash in on flag", The Herald Sun, 1 October 2007. Retrieved 26 May 2008
  39. ↑ "AFL Statistics, Australian Football League & Bigpond, accessed 13 May 2008
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "Player Profile – Official AFL website of the Geelong Football Club", Australian Football League & Bigpond. Retrieved 4 November 2007
  41. ↑ "Young guns keep firing", The Bendigo Advertiser, 13 October 2007. Archived from the original on 6 March 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2007.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 Ralph, J, "Young cat Joel Selwood impresses his peers at Geelong", The Herald Sun, 10 September 2008. Retrieved 29 September 2008
  43. ↑ Ralph, J, "Terry Wallace says Cats flag certainty" The Herald Sun, 26 August 2008. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2008.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 McClure, G, "So that's where that fan got to", The Age, 30 April 2008. Retrieved 30 April 2008
  45. ↑ "Vics name eight Cats", Australian Football League & Bigpond, 4 May 2008. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 4 May 2008.
  46. ↑ Bews, A, "Game's state of pride", The Geelong Advertiser, 7 May 2008. Retrieved 7 May 2008
  47. ↑ Siragusa, L, "Didak nominated for AFLPA MVP despite suspension" Australian Football League & Bigpond, 28 August 2008. Archived from the original on 26 February 2013. Retrieved 28 August 2008.
  48. ↑ "AFL Coaches Association – Awards", AFL Coaches Association. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2009.
  49. ↑ "Norm Smith medal votes", The Age, 28 September 2008. Retrieved 29 September 2008
  50. ↑ "Joel Corey wins Carji Greeves Medal". Geelong Advertiser. 2 October 2008.
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 Broad, B, "Young cat keeping clean record", Australian Football League & Bigpond, 19 August 2008. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 4 October 2008.
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 Sheridan, N, "Cats' Selwood still to re-sign", The Age, 25 April 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2008
  53. ↑ Sheridan, N, "Selwood inks deal with Geelong", The Age, 8 May 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2008
  54. ↑ Gullan, S, "Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood and James Bartel step up", The Herald Sun, 19 January 2009. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2009.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 Cullen, M, "Cats belt Pies in NAB Cup GF", Australian Football League & Bigpond, 14 March 2009. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2009.
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 "Joel Selwood Record", AFL Tables. Retrieved 27 April 2009
  57. ↑ Sheahan, M, "Greatest Geelong team of all", The Herald Sun, 28 April 2009. Retrieved 4 May 2009
  58. ↑ Zander, J, "Cats claw over top of Hawks", ABC, 25 July 2009. Retrieved 5 August 2009
  59. ↑ Pace, R, "Cats on Song", Australian Football League & Bigpond, 27 August 2009. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
  60. ↑ Rucci, M, "Cats blitz Pies by 73 points", The Herald Sun, 19 September 2009. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2009.
  61. ↑ "Grand day for Bendigo's Joel", The Bendigo Advertiser, 28 September 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2009
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 Silkstone, D, "Cats who got the dream", The Age, 28 September 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2009
  63. ↑ Davis, G, "Winning words: 'Don't panic' says Geelong coach Mark Thompson", The Herald Sun, 27 September 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009
  64. ↑ Tullberg, J, "Gary Ablett wins third Most Valuable Player of the Year for the AFLPA Awards", The Herald Sun, 7 September 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2009
  65. ↑ Stokes, B, "AFLPA announces nominations for the 2009 MVP Awards", Australian Football League Players Association, 4 September 2009. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
  66. ↑ 3AW Football, "2009 AFL Brownlow medal count club-by-club", 22 September 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2009
  67. ↑ Auciello, M, "Five Geelong Cats selected in All-Australian team", The Geelong Advertiser, 15 September 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009
  68. ↑ Cullen, M, "Ablett, Enright tie for B&F", Geelong Football Club & Bigpond Network, 1 October 2009. Archived from the original on 4 October 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2009.
  69. ↑ 3AW Football, "All Australian 2009 Official", 14 September 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2009
  70. ↑ Green, B, "Geelong Cats turn focus on holding Gary Ablett after Joel Selwood re-signs ", The Geelong Advertiser, 14 May 2010. Retrieved 7 June 2010
  71. ↑ Gullan, S, "Joel Selwood turns back on Gold Coast, says he owes Cats", The Herald Sun, 21 May 2010. Retrieved 16 June 2010
  72. ↑ "AFL Most Handballs In A Game statistics", AFL Tables. Retrieved 10 October 2010
  73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 "AFL Tables – Player Records: Season and Game Highs", AFL Tables. Retrieved 22 September 2009
  74. ↑ Auciello, M, "Geelong star Jimmy Bartel backs teammate Joel Selwood to respond to criticism against Fremantle", The Geelong Advertiser, 9 September 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010
  75. ↑ Williams, R, "Dane Swan pockets MVP award", The Herald Sun, 6 September 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010
  76. ↑ "Brownlow Votes Club by Club", The Age, 21 September 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010
  77. ↑ Thompson, T, "2010 Channel 7 AFL Coaches Association Awards", World Football News, 21 September 2010. Retrieved 10 October 2010
  78. ↑ Gullan, S, "Joel Selwood pips Gary Ablett to win his first Carji Greeves Medal for Geelong's best-and-fairest player", The Herald Sun, 1 October 2010. Retrieved 11 October 2010
  79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 Auciello, M, "JOEL SELWOOD: A Ton of Talent", The Geelong Advertiser, 13 May 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2013
  80. ↑ AAP, "Selwood cops four-week ban", ABC Grandstand, 14 June 2011. Retrieved 19 July 2013
  81. ↑ 81.0 81.1 Williams, R, " Geelong captain Joel Selwood says he has big shoes to fill", The Herald Sun, 20 January 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2013
  82. ↑ Robinson, Mark, "Boys, really, who suddenly have become leaders of men", The Herald Sun, 22 March 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2013
  83. ↑ Reynolds, Ryan, "Joel Selwood reveals he helped negotiate new five-year contract", The Geelong Advertiser, 29 March 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
  84. ↑ Reilly, Stephen, "Don't let me be misunderstood: Scott", The Australian, 18 April 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2013
  85. ↑ Casanelia, Ben, "150 up for Selwood", Inside Football Magazine, 12 July 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013
  86. ↑ McNicol, Adam, "Cat Selwood a winner, pure and simple", Australian Football League, 13 July 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2014
  87. ↑ Ryan, Peter, "Cat attack: Selwood reveals new potent streak", Australian Football League, 20 August 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013
  88. ↑ Auciello, Michael, "Cats follow Joel's lead", The Geelong Advertiser, 23 August 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013
  89. ↑ 89.0 89.1 89.2 Auciello, Michael, "Best of the best 'loves leading'", The Geelong Advertiser, 18 September 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013
  90. ↑ 90.0 90.1 90.2 90.3 Wade, Nick, "Selwood always finds a way", The Geelong Advertiser, 5 May 2014. Retrieved 9 September 2014
  91. ↑ 91.0 91.1 91.2 Matthews, Bruce, "Carlton Coach Mick Malthouse livid over last minute umpiring calls in five point loss to Geelong at Etihad Stadium", The Herald Sun, 7 June 2014. Retrieved 9 September 2014
  92. ↑ 92.0 92.1 92.2 Peeters, Tom, "Selwood tops Cats all-time Brownlow votes", Geelong Football Club, 23 September 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2014
  93. ↑ McNicol, Adam, "Selwood named top Cat for third time in thrilling vote count", Australian Football League, 2 October 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2014
  94. ↑ Murnane, Matt, "Joel Selwood joins list of Geelong greats", The Age, 2 October 2014. Retrieved 3 October 2014
  95. ↑ 95.0 95.1 Sheahan, M, "Joel Selwood and Brett Kirk enjoy mutual admiration", The Herald Sun, 9 April 2009, accessed 21 April 2009
  96. ↑ Townley, p. 19.
  97. ↑ 97.0 97.1 Buckley, N, "Buckley's top 10 midfielders", The Age, 15 August 2009. Retrieved 22 August 2009
  98. ↑ 98.0 98.1 Hanlon, P, "What next, boy wonder?", The Age, 9 March 2008. Retrieved 17 March 2008
  99. ↑ 99.0 99.1 Shields, J, "First-year player has made a big impact", The Geelong Advertiser, 3 September 2007. Retrieved 17 March 2008
  100. ↑ Waterworth, Ben, "What you missed on TV last night: Mitch Clark, Richmond and North Melbourne dominate agendas", News Corp Australia, 9 September 2014. Retrieved 9 September 2014
  101. ↑ 101.0 101.1 Timms, Daryl, "Greg Williams believes Cats captain Joel Selwood is a 'walking time bomb' and needs to be protected", The Herald Sun, 26 February 2013. Retrieved 18 September 2013
  102. ↑ Gardiner, Laura, "Ling's fears for skipper Selwood", Sports News First, 14 November 2011. Retrieved 10 September 2013
  103. ↑ Warner, Michael, "Former Geelong president Frank Costa says star midfielder Joel Selwood is ready to captain the Cats", The Herald Sun, 18 January 2012. Retrieved 10 September 2013
  104. ↑ Porter, Ashley, "Demons co-captain Nathan Jones aspires to emulate Geelong's Joel Selwood", The Age, 6 March 2014. Retrieved 9 September 2014
  105. ↑ Evans, Heath, "Selwood is Captain Courageous", AFL Player Association, 3 October 2013. Retrieved 9 September 2014
  106. ↑ 106.0 106.1 Dole, N, "Superb run", The Bendigo Advertiser, 24 September 2008. Retrieved 4 October 2008
  107. ↑ Sheehan, M, ", The Herald Sun, 9 April 2009. Retrieved 21 July 2009
  108. ↑ 108.0 108.1 Stevens, M, "Handle Selwood with due care: Geelong star Joel Selwood is the master of earning free kicks", The Herald Sun, 23 September 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2009
  109. ↑ Cresswell, J, "Collingwood went to AFL to query Joel Selwood free kicks", The Geelong Advertiser, 22 April 2009. Retrieved 22 August 2009
  110. ↑ 110.0 110.1 110.2 110.3 110.4 Edmund, Sam, "Geelong captain Joel Selwood the best at drawing free kicks for high tackles", The Herald Sun, 22 August 2014. Retrieved 9 September 2014
  111. ↑ Buckley, N, "Channel 7 broadcast of the Round 21 Geelong vs. Western Bulldogs game during the 2009 AFL season", 21 August 2009. Retrieved 2009 August 2009
  112. ↑ "Herald Sun superstats", The Herald Sun. Retrieved 17 March 2008
  113. ↑ Murnane, J, "Maree Selwood – AFLPA Mother of the Year", Australian Football League Players Association, 6 May 2005. Archived from the original on 17 June 2005. Retrieved 8 November 2007.
  114. ↑ "Selwood's follow family tradition", The Bendigo Advertiser, 28 November 2007. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2008.
  115. ↑ "NAB – Win $20,000 for a NAB personal loan advertisement", National Australia Bank. Archived from the original on 27 July 2008. Retrieved 5 August 2008.
  116. ↑ Ralph, J, "Geelong's Joel Selwood vows Cats' best yet to come", The Herald Sun, 25 February 2009. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2009.
  117. ↑ "Brotherly love put aside at Geelong", The Age, 16 June 2007. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2007.
  118. ↑ Gullan, S, "Joe Selwoodl's [sic] deal off the rack", The Herald Sun, 18 June 2010. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  119. ↑ Wade, Nick (18 June 2010). "Geelong Cats star Joel Selwood helps kids". Geelong Advertiser.
  120. ↑ "Asics – Our partnerships", Asics. Retrieved 10 September 2013.
  121. ↑ Ralph, J, "Joel content to delay deal", The Herald Sun, 4 March 2010. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 4 March 2010.
  122. ↑ Breen, D "Cats strut monopoly boardwalk", The Geelong Advertiser, 14 March 2008. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2008.
  123. ↑ "Rookies have lots to do", The Bendigo Advertiser, 28 December 2006. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 8 November 2007.
  124. ↑ Sheahan, M, "Mike Sheahan talks with Joel Selwood for the first time" The Herald Sun, 9 April 2009. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  125. ↑ "Representatives – AFL Players' Association", Australian Football League Players Association, 5 December 2008. Archived from the original on 8 February 2009. Retrieved 5 December 2008.
  126. ↑ Joel Selwood's player profile at AFL Tables
  127. ↑ "For Selwood, only the flag really counts", Brisbane Times, 5 September 2007. Archived from the original on 2 March 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2007.

References

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Sporting positions
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137 votes