Geelong AFL nice Joel Selwood has referred to as time on his profession, saying his retirement simply days after successful his fourth premiership with the Cats.
The 34-year-old made his identify as one of the crucial fearless gamers within the league, main from the entrance in a Geelong aspect that was ever-present in finals however went greater than a decade between flags earlier than breaking its drought with an 81-point win over Sydney on Saturday.
Selwood finishes his profession with a string of information, together with probably the most video games as a workforce captain (227), probably the most finals performed in VFL-AFL historical past (40) and the report variety of video games performed for Geelong (355).
“Six weeks in the past I made a decision that this is able to be it, win lose or draw, on the Geelong Soccer Membership [at the end of the season],” he mentioned.
He reached his choice after talking with pals and teammates like Tom Stewart and Patrick Dangerfield, after which raised it with membership chief government Steve Hocking, who left the choice as much as him.
“I made a decision that I might go once more subsequent 12 months at 85 per cent, and everybody would look after me however I needed to be all in and I simply could not do this.”
Selwood mentioned he informed coach Chris Scott of his choice forward of the workforce’s recreation towards West Coast in spherical 23.
“First we had a little bit of a cry collectively, then [after going to leave] I needed to flip round and have one other hug,” he mentioned.
Selwood praised the soundness of the membership over his 16 seasons.
“I’ve performed below three presidents, I’ve had two coaches, two CEOs, three footy managers [at Geelong] — it is simply such a steady and unbelievable place to go to work,” he mentioned.
“They put individuals in beneath them who love going to work. You do not come to the Geelong Soccer Membership to go to work for cash, you come for the expertise. I’ve beloved each a part of that.”
Selwood, who’s quickly to grow to be a father for the primary time together with his spouse Brit, mentioned he would miss the gamers and the membership and did not know what he would do subsequent.
“I walked into this membership once I was 18 — I could also be working right here, I could also be working elsewhere. I do not have the reply for you,” he mentioned.
“My cellphone is turned off however my supervisor’s is on … I am open to something.”
Scott praised Selwood for his profession and his presence as an individual.
“We received the footy lottery attending to spend a decade with Joel Selwood,” Scott mentioned.
“Overlook all the pieces he is performed on the footy discipline — and the remainder would nonetheless be superb.
“There will not be a lot cap house with out Joel … he might have had us over a barrel and we’d have paid him something [to keep him] however he by no means did.”
Selwood all the time at residence in elite footy
From his early days within the AFL, the star junior from the Bendigo Pioneers checked out residence in elite soccer.
His profession was bookended by overwhelming grand closing wins. Weeks after being a runaway winner of the AFL Rising Star award in his debut season, Selwood was a part of Geelong’s record-breaking 119-point victory over Port Adelaide to win the 2007 premiership.
He was named captain of the membership in 2012, and have become over time one among its most recognisable faces. Cherished inside the membership and revered amongst his friends, Selwood drew controversy over the variety of free kicks he earned for being tackled excessive — with some accusing him of ducking.
However his physicality, dedication, dedication and skill to drive his workforce to victory was by no means questioned over time.
He received nearly each honour there was to win within the AFL, together with being six-time All-Australian, three-time Geelong greatest and fairest, premiership captain and Australia’s Worldwide Guidelines captain (in 2014).
The one one he missed out on was the Brownlow Medal the place his greatest consequence was runner-up in 2013.
There had been greater than a touch that the announcement was coming, following the outpouring of emotion from Selwood throughout and after the grand closing victory.
With the sport properly received within the closing quarter, the skipper bought emotional and put his palms over his face when he kicked a fantastic aim, to be surrounded by his teammates. His household shed tears, too, within the stands.
“It is in all probability the most effective aim I’ve ever kicked,” Selwood informed the press convention. “I’ve had a great day.”
Then, when the siren went, there have been extra tears from Selwood together with long-time teammate Tom Hawkins because the achievement and the event registered.
Sportspeople who retire after a giant recreation usually depart their boots in the course of the court docket, pitch or stadium.
The Cats skipper handed his pair of shoes to the younger Auskicker of the 12 months on the rostrum.
All that was left was for Selwood to substantiate his choice, in a closing press convention on the Geelong residence floor, Kardinia Park.
