It’s more than just a game for the Selwood brothers

FOR the Selwood brothers (all four of them) reaching the highest level of Aussie rules football was important to them, but according to Joel and Troy Selwood, writing a book series together is equally significant.

On March 13, Joel (captain of the Geelong Cats) and Troy Selwood attended Surf Coast Secondary College to discuss The Selwood Boys; a four-part series with author Tony Wilson starring the brothers – and touched on life, football and learned experiences.

Surf Coast Secondary College’s Peter Raidme said the brothers were fantastic examples to students about the importance of reading and writing in relation to sport and leisure.

“It was an opportunity for Bridget Kelly’s Year 12 Literary Class alongside our Year 7 and 8 AFL Team Henley Sports academy students.

“Both groups had different agendas for being there but Joel and Troy were able to explain how they planned, wrote, published and advertised their books. They gave us a glimpse into the life of an AFL footballer today, and how that has changed over time.”

Published by HarperCollins Australia under the ABC imprint, the children’s series follow the childhood and adventures of Troy, Adam, Joel and Scott growing up in Bendigo, Victoria.

Students jumped at the chance to ask questions and gain greater insight into what it takes to get to the top, with both brothers reiterating the importance of getting a good education.

“It was important for us to write something that girls and boys could relate to. Growing up we never had any of the devices around today, there was no iPads or mobile phones,” Troy said.

“We were always outside playing sports, and mum and dad (Maree and Bryce) were always into us about reading and writing. It was drilled into us – the importance of having something outside of football that would allow us to do something with our lives once that was over.”

Troy said he was lucky enough to still be working within the industry as a recruiter for the Geelong Cats, and stressed to students the amount of reading and writing involved in the role.

“I was lucky that I did have a crack at my footy but also my studies which got me in a position where I feel comfortable in this job.

“I go out and watch kids all over Australia and then on a Monday read anywhere between 100- 150 reports and write equally detailed reports in return.”

Mr Raidme said underlying the session was the brothers emphasise on family, fun, and how to be a good person and leader in the community – not just football.