Widely celebrated for his professionalism, leadership and football brain, Joel has steadily built one of the most impressive resumes in VFL/AFL history and is recognised as a key element in creating a remarkable culture of success at the Geelong Football Club.
From a gifted sporting family in Bendigo, he and his three brothers have all played football at the highest level, driving and inspiring each other to be the best they can be.
He displayed athletic talent from an early age, winning multiple State junior hurdling titles, but it was footy in the backyard with his brothers that ultimately shaped his sporting future. The third of four boys, he became accustomed to dealing with bigger and stronger opponents from a young age.
But his natural talent and fearlessness were only part of the puzzle. In the lead up to being drafted in 2006, he was recognised by talent scouts for his meticulous and dedicated preparation. All these elements combined to see AFL Talent guru Kevin Sheehan describe him as ‘the best 17 year old in Australia.’
Joel was awarded a scholarship with the prestigious AIS-AFL Academy, his leadership traits self-evident from an early age as he captained his older teammates in the Under-18s International Rules Series in Ireland.
Selected with the 7th pick in the 2006 National Draft, he debuted in Round 1 of his rookie year, a stellar season that would see him claim the AFLPA Best First Year Player Award and the first of his three premierships, all won by the tender age of just 23.
The individual and team accolades have continued to come throughout his career, and Selwood is regarded as one of the game’s most respected and courageous players and leaders of all time.
A member of the elite 300-game club, he is a six-time All-Australian, three-time Club Best & Fairest and a four-time AFLPA Most Courageous Player
View Reddit by MAu_klasik – View Source