This year Geelong’s 25-year-old skipper once again demonstrated why he’s the right man for the job. This was reiterated when he came runners-up in this year’s Brownlow, where he finished only one vote behind the winner, Gary Ablett. However, two week's later the young captain went on to win his second Carji Greeves Medal in Geelong’s Best and Fairest. This season Selwood averaged 24.6 disposals, 5.1 clearances and 4.1 inside-50s per game at 77.1% efficiency. The tough midfielder also took his goal kicking to the next level and doubled his career best from 15 goals in 2011 to 30.
Amos' review:
He took his game to the next level. His leadership was also outstanding. He was influential in a lot of games. When we needed someone to stand up, he was able to do it. A number of the midfielders spent a bit more time up forward this year, and Joel was able to kick multiple goals on a number of occasions. He won our best and fairest, was the captain of the All Australian side and was runner-up in the Brownlow. It's fair to say he ticked a few boxes. I thought the level he played at was fantastic, but his leadership is what I'll remember most. His influence on the group is significant. With the introduction of the interchange cap, look for him to spend even more time up forward next year.
15 Jordan Schroder
Apart from winning the VFL’s Best and Fairest, the capable midfielder, who played his first and only AFL game last year, took to the bigger stage on five different occasions during the 2013 AFL season. There the 20-year-old kicked three goals and averaged 2.7 tackles and 8.7 disposals per game at 71.4% efficiency. During Schroder’s 14 games with Geelong’s VFL side he kicked a total of 36 goals and averaged 12.57 efficient disposals and three marks per game.
Amos' review:
Won the Liston Trophy for the best and fairest player in the VFL, which was a great achievement. We would've loved to have played him a bit more in the AFL, but we couldn't squeeze him in. He's a terrific ball-winner, with great speed and strength, and he kicks goals, so we think he deserves some opportunities in the AFL next year. His challenge is to step up when he gets the chance.
16 Dawson Simpson
After recovering well from back surgery at the beginning of the year Simpson returned to the VFL in flying form and by five games in he was promoted to be the Cats senior ruckman. Unfortunately Simpson was kept to only six AFL games after hampering his knee during round 18 against St Kilda, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Before sustaining his long-term knee injury the 209cm ruckman averaged 33.8 hit-outs, 4.2 marks and 2.6 tackles per game. His absence in the ruck was definitely felt by his teammates, coaches and supporters.
Amos' review:
After having back surgery over the summer, he had a very good season. Worked his way into the AFL team in the middle of the year and was able to give our midfielders first use of the ball. He then suffered a knee injury against St Kilda in round 18, which was really frustrating because he was playing some great footy. He had been critical to our performances over the previous few weeks, especially the game against Fremantle at Simonds Stadium in round 14. We really missed him in the finals, when you need a ruckman with some real size. His knee should be fine when he comes back to training, and we're really looking for him to stake a claim as our No. 1 ruckman during the pre-season.
