The year Selwood debuted, in 2007, was the year when something clicked and everything changed for the Geelong Football Club. Coming from 11 loses in 2006 the Cats picked up their boots and went on to win the 2007 Grand Final, their first since 1963.
“I didn’t see the dark days, I didn’t see what happened in 2006. I just walked in to a side that I knew had the talent and they knew where they wanted to go,” Selwood told channel 7.
“Myself, and Tom Hawkins, were pretty fortunate enough to walk in at the right time and have the possibility of playing in such a great side.”
At the young age of 18, Selwood launched a remarkable first year, averaging 19.2 possessions in 18 games and three finals, including the 2007 Grand Final, where they annihilated Port Adelaide by 119 points.
“I was ready to play when I got drafted and I wanted to play, so I made sure I did everything I possibly could,” Selwood said.
“I made sure I got the respect off the older boys as quickly as possibly, if they knew they were playing with me that they understood that I’d stand up at the right times.”
“That was really important I think in my development, that I came in and did that.
“Instead of being so much liked at the start, I’d come in and rustle a few feathers, if it’s doing contested ball work against Max Rooke…”
“Awww,” Selwood said, as though he was hungry to go back and do it again, “if I get the chance to tackle him, I’m going to tackle him and just prove to them that I can play.”
Nonetheless, Selwood understands the importance of work life balance, despite his thirst for football and on-field success. He makes an effort to enjoy life off the track and makes time for himself, as well as taking an interest and getting to know his teammates away from the football scene.
“Work life balance is still important and I do enjoy just going down and having a coffee with the boys, and getting to know teammates and working out what they like to do in their spare time.”
“In itself, football is all I’ve ever known, I loved football growing up.”
“When I went to school I was going to play football, I had nothing else.”
“I made sure I tried my best at school but Mum always knew that she wasn’t go to get her way. I was going to play football, run in the Olympics, they were my goals.”
“I can at least say that I’ve ticked one of them.”
