It started with a Rising Star Award. Then came premierships, three of them, a Carji Greeves Medal and two Robert Rose Awards after being voted the most courageous player in the league by his peers. Now a seasoned veteran who ranks in the highest echelon of midfielders, the 24-year old can add another feather to his cap - the title of best on-field captain in the AFL.
Three times this year he has risen to another level and inspired Geelong to victory, his performance against Sydney by far the finest of the trio. His work rate was immense, particularly in the second half - his third quarter included eight disposals at 100% efficiency. In the reminiscent words of Alan Jeans, when the game reached the crossroad, Selwood stepped up.
The way he imposed himself on the game was unforgettable. The mood at the SCG suddenly shifted from upbeat to morose as he closed down on Sydney champion Jarrad McVeigh. Selwood spoiled his marking attempt, roved his own punch and swung in a pinpoint left foot drop punt to Billie Smedts, who goaled to put the Cats in front.
His timing was perfect has he received a blind handball from big-bodied Hawkins in the centre square, handballing to Johnson who extended Geelong’s lead. Only seconds later, he sprinted from the centre bounce to the goal square to soccer a goal off the ground.
The crowd knew the momentum had shifted and again it was the fearless midfielder’s ferocious chase, tackle and consequential handpass off the ground that enabled Taylor Hunt to land a deathly blow to the Swans, right on the three quarter time siren.
Alongside his prodigious footballing talent, Selwood has an intangible spirit that enables him to spearhead the hardened Geelong outfit with distinction. He is a born leader and his unwavering courage adds to his aura. His relentless attack on the ball has seen him concussed multiple times and the AFL's contentious new sliding rule seems almost designed to restrain him, but his mentality has not changed in the slightest.
Jobe Watson deserves every plaudit he gets for uniting an Essendon side under siege, but on the field, Selwood's grit and drive to win is on another level. When you have a man who can change a game like Selwood can, the players behind him follow. The heads of the opposition dip as they are beaten to the contest and their spirits wilt when they realise they are up against a player with an unbreakable resolve.
The sun is setting on the careers of some of Kardinia Park’s most cherished sons – names such as Enright, Corey, Chapman, Bartel will soon be gone – yet these ageing heroes will bow out with the same ambition and drive that saw them to three premierships in five years. Selwood will ensure they stay as determined as ever. Under Selwood’s leadership, despite being written off years before, the club’s greatest heroes are a chance to finish on a high.
Lloyd Townsend is a second-year journalism student at La Trobe University. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ltownsend_ or on his blog at www.sportsreligious.wordpress.com
