Talented duo left incredible mark

CLUBS across Bendigo and further afield have been rocked by the sudden deaths of talented sportsmen Troy Selwood and Linc McRae.

In terms of all-round ability and giving their all for their club, Selwood and McRae were outstanding.

Best known for his feats on the footy field, Selwood also competed in athletics and triathlon.

Endurance and running ability were two of the major strengths Selwood brought to all footy clubs he represented.

McRae’s number one sport was cricket, where he was a top-order batter and wicketkeeper.

Drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2002, Selwood went on to play 75 matches at the highest level.

He was co-captain of Geelong’s team that won the VFL premiership in 2012.

Off the ground Selwood played a major role, especially at Geelong in talent ID and development pathways.

The Selwood siblings of twins Troy and Adam, and younger brothers Joel and Scott, hold the VFL/AFL games record for a family of 786 matches.

All four played at Sandhurst on their way to the big league, in which parents Bryce and Maree gave so much support to them and many teammates.

Selwood played a key role in the Bendigo Pioneers’ run to the then TAC Cup grand final in 2001 and a year later earned TAC Cup Team of the Year selection as the Pioneers reached the preliminary final.

A top-order batsman, McRae was captain of Eaglehawk Cricket Club’s first XI premiership team in 2005/06.

Leading his beloved Borough to glory capped a return from playing Premier Cricket with Melbourne where teammates included Brad Hodge, Bendigo United’s Matt Pinniger, and the late Dean Jones.

McRae was also captain-coach of Huntly North from 2009 until 2014 and played a key role in lifting the club from the bottom rung to play finals.

He also played for California Gully Cricket Club and marked his first senior match at the age of 14.

A fierce competitor with bat or ball, superb behind the stumps and an occasional spin bowler, McRae won plenty of admiration and respect from everyone – teammates, opponents and supporters – across a brilliant cricket career.