Selwood set to retire

Geelong champion Joel Selwood is set to announce his retirement and end his decorated AFL career on the high of a fourth premiership.
The Cats will make a “significant announcement” at 1pm on Wednesday at GMHBA Stadium, expected to be captain Selwood’s retirement press conference.

The explosion of emotion from Geelong players when Selwood kicked a fairytale goal in the last quarter of Saturday’s grand final win over Sydney had indicated it was his final game, but he took time to weigh up his options.

Selwood would be the third consecutive Geelong captain to retire after winning a premiership, following Tom Harley in 2009 and Cameron Ling in 2011.

He is the only player in Geelong’s history to win four flags (2007, 2009, 2011, 2022) and is the club’s games record holder with 355 appearances across 16 seasons.

Selwood made a record-breaking 40th finals appearance in the grand final thrashing of the Swans – one more than Hawthorn legend Michael Tuck.

Earlier this year, Selwood broke Carlton great Stephen Kernahan’s long-standing 226-game record for most games as an AFL/VFL club captain.

The 34-year-old played his entire career at Geelong after being drafted at pick No.7 in 2006, winning the Rising Star award and a premiership in his first season.

Selwood is a six-time All-Australian, has captained the Cats since 2012, and has won three Carji Greeves Medals as Geelong’s best and fairest.

He has also long been hailed for his character and community work and was this year’s Jim Stynes community leadership award winner.
Selwood’s expected retirement kick-starts an off-season of change at Kardinia Park.

Quinton Narkle headlined a group of five players delisted on Wednesday as the Cats eye moves for GWS midfielder Tanner Bruhn and Collingwood forward Ollie Henry – both Geelong Falcons products.

Narkle, Francis Evans, Nick Stevens, Paul Tsapatolis and Zane Williams were all informed they won’t be offered contracts for 2023.