Joel Selwood facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joel Selwood
Selwood in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Joel Anthony Selwood
Date of birth	(1988-05-26) 26 May 1988 (age 37)
Place of birth	Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
Original team	Sandhurst (BFL) Bendigo Pioneers (TAC Cup)
Draft	No. 7, 2006 national draft
Position(s)	Midfielder
Career highlights
4× AFL premiership player: (2007, 2009, 2011, 2022) AFL premiership captain: (2022) 6× All-Australian team: (2009, 2010, 2013(c), 2014(c), 2016(c), 2017) 4× AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award: (2009, 2012, 2013, 2014) 3× Carji Greeves Medal: (2010, 2013, 2014) Geelong captain: (2012–2022) AFLPA best captain award: (2013) Herald Sun Player of the Year: (2014) Ron Evans Medal: (2007) AFLPA best first-year player award: (2007) 2x Peter Badcoe VC Medal: (2016, 2018) AFLCA best young player award: (2008) Pre-season premiership player: (2009) Michael Tuck Medal: (2009) Australian IRS captain: (2014) Most games played as an AFL captain (245 games) Most wins as an AFL captain (160 wins) Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award (2022) Most finals ever played (40)

Joel Anthony Selwood (born 26 May 1988) is a famous former Australian rules football player. He played for the Geelong Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Joel is known for winning four championships (called "premierships"), including one as captain. He was also chosen for the "All-Australian" team six times. Joel was the captain of Geelong from 2012 to 2022. He won the "Carji Greeves Medal" three times as the best and fairest player for his club. He holds the record for being the longest-serving captain in the AFL.

Joel was a great athlete and footballer when he was young. He joined the top junior competition, TAC Cup, at a young age. He won awards for being the Most Valuable Player at state and international levels. He was also chosen for the under-18 All-Australian team. In 2006, Joel had a serious knee injury. This made him drop to Geelong's seventh pick in the draft. Joel started playing in the AFL in 2007. He won the AFL Rising Star Award for the best new player. He also won the AFL Players Association's Best First-Year Player Award.

Joel set a record by winning 92% of his first 50 games. He was part of three premiership teams with Geelong in his first five seasons (2007, 2009, and 2011). In 2012, Joel became the team captain. Geelong made it to the finals almost every year he was captain. They played in seven preliminary finals and two Grand Finals. In 2022, Geelong won their tenth premiership, and Joel retired after this big win.

Joel is known for his amazing leadership, bravery, and consistent play. He became captain when he was only 23. He won the AFLPA Best Captain Award. He also won the "Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award" four times. Joel played in at least 20 games every full season of his career. He averaged over 24 "disposals" (kicks or handpasses) per game. He was very good at breaking tackles and earning free kicks. He also averaged about five tackles per game. He has the second-most tackles in VFL/AFL history.

Joel Selwood's Early Life and Junior Football

Joel Selwood was born on 26 May 1988 in Bendigo, Victoria. His parents are Bryce and Maree Selwood. He grew up in a family that loved sports. His mother was a great runner and tennis player. His older twin brothers, Adam and Troy, were also talented footballers. When Joel was two, he had to wear special leg supports to help him walk better.

Joel showed his athletic skills from a young age. He was the state champion in hurdling for many years. He also held almost every running and jumping record at the Bendigo Sports Centre. Playing with his older brothers helped him get used to bigger teammates and opponents. At age eight, he played his first football game against kids four years older and kicked three goals. Joel went to Catholic College Bendigo. He played junior football for the Sandhurst Football Club. Later, he played for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup competition in 2005.

Even though he was too young for the 2005 AFL Draft, experts called Joel "the best 17-year-old in Australia." People praised Joel's professional attitude and smart football brain. He won many awards as a young player. He was chosen for the Victoria Country team in the AFL National Championships. He also won the Most Valuable Player award for Victoria Country. He was named in the TAC Cup Team of the Year. He also captained his older teammates in the under-18s International Rules Series in Ireland. There, he won the Ron Barassi Medal as the best player on the tour.

In 2006, Joel was a top prospect for the AFL Draft. He was given the captaincy of the Bendigo Pioneers. However, he got a knee injury early in the season. This was his fourth knee surgery in two years, and it ended his junior season early.

Joel Selwood's AFL Career Highlights

Becoming an AFL Star: 2007–2008

A Dream Debut Season: 2007

The Geelong Football Club picked Joel Selwood as their first choice in the 2006 AFL Draft. He was the seventh player chosen overall. Even though some worried about his knee, Joel made his AFL debut in the first round of the 2007 AFL season. He only missed four games that year.

Selwood playing for Geelong in 2007

Joel quickly impressed everyone in the AFL. Former coach Leigh Matthews said Joel looked like he had played 200 games from his very first one. Geelong coach Mark Thompson called Joel the best young player he had ever coached. In just his fourth game, Joel had 25 disposals and nine tackles, which was amazing for an 18-year-old. This earned him an AFL Rising Star Award nomination.

At the end of 2007, Joel won the Ron Evans Medal as the AFL Rising Star Award winner. He also won the AFLPA Best First-Year Player Award. He was only the fourth player ever to win both these big awards for new players.

Geelong finished first on the ladder and won the "McClelland Trophy." Joel played in his first final game against the Kangaroos. He had 22 disposals and helped Geelong win by a huge 106 points. This was Geelong's biggest finals win ever at that time. Joel then helped Geelong win the 2007 AFL Grand Final against Port Adelaide by a record 119 points. At 19, Joel was the youngest player in 10 years to play in a winning Grand Final team. He was also the first to win the AFL Rising Star Award and a premiership in the same season. This made him one of the most successful first-year players ever.

Joel finished his first season leading all new players in many stats, like total possessions, kicks, and tackles. His 94 tackles were the most ever by a first-year AFL player. He also won the Geelong Football Club Best First-Year Player Award.

Building on Success: 2008

Joel continued to be a key player for Geelong in 2008. Geelong won 21 games, tying a record, and won the McClelland Trophy again. Joel also had a 25-game winning streak, one of the longest ever. His great season earned him a spot in the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match all-star game for Victoria. At 19, he was the youngest player to represent "The Big V" in over 12 years.

Joel finished fifth in the Brownlow Medal voting, which is for the league's "best and fairest" player. He also won the Best Young Player Award. Geelong made it to the 2008 AFL Grand Final again but lost to Hawthorn. Joel played well in the Grand Final, with 29 disposals.

Joel averaged over 25 disposals per game in 2008. He also set a new record for the most free kicks earned in a season since 1990. Even though his contract was ending, Joel signed a new deal with Geelong. He wanted to stay with the club and help them succeed.

More Premiership Glory: 2009–2011

Leading the Way: 2009

Before the 2009 AFL season, Joel was chosen for Geelong's leadership group at just 20 years old. Geelong started the year by winning the pre-season NAB Cup. Joel was named the best player in the final, winning the Michael Tuck Medal with 33 disposals and 2 goals. In Round 5, Joel played his 50th game and set a new record for the highest winning percentage in 50 games, with 46 wins (92%).

In a big game against Hawthorn, Joel had a career-high 42 disposals, 10 marks, and 11 tackles. His teammate Cameron Ling called his performance "absolutely amazing." Geelong made it to their third Grand Final in a row. In the 2009 AFL Grand Final against St Kilda, Joel gave a "stirring speech" at half-time. His teammates said he was "a born leader." Joel helped Geelong win by 12 points, securing their second premiership in three seasons.

Joel was named the youngest-ever winner of the AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award. He also finished sixth in the 2009 Brownlow Medal. He was chosen for the 2009 All-Australian team for the first time. Joel averaged 28 disposals and 5 tackles per game that year.

Individual Success: 2010

Joel remained in Geelong's leadership group for the 2010 AFL season. He signed a new two-year contract, showing his commitment to the club. Joel had a career-high 29 handpasses in one game. He also had a career-high 20 contested possessions in another. Geelong finished second on the ladder and made the finals. They lost their first final but bounced back to win the next. However, they lost the preliminary final, missing out on the Grand Final.

Despite no team trophies that year, Joel had a great individual season. He was nominated for the AFLPA Most Valuable Player Award and won his first Carji Greeves Medal as Geelong's best and fairest player. He was also chosen for the 2010 All-Australian team for the second year in a row. Joel was very consistent, getting over 20 disposals in 21 of his 24 games.

Vice-Captain and Another Flag: 2011

For the 2011 AFL season, Joel was promoted to vice-captain. In Round 8, he played his 100th game for Geelong. He was the fifth-quickest player in VFL/AFL history to reach 100 games. His record of 85 wins and many awards showed how amazing his first 100 games were.

Joel was suspended for four matches after a striking offense, his first suspension ever. But he continued to set milestones. He had a career-high 43 disposals in one game and kicked a career-best 3 goals in another. Geelong finished second on the ladder and made it to the 2011 AFL Grand Final against Collingwood. Joel played a great game with 28 disposals, 7 tackles, and 2 goals. Geelong won by 38 points, giving Joel his third premiership medal in five seasons.

Captain of the Cats: 2012–2014

Taking the Helm: 2012

After Cameron Ling retired, Joel Selwood was named the captain of the Geelong Football Club before the 2012 AFL season. He was the youngest captain for Geelong in over ten years. Joel said he always wanted to lead the club and make it successful. Geelong then signed Joel to a five-year contract, a very long deal for the club.

Coach Chris Scott praised Joel, calling him "probably the toughest player I've ever seen." Geelong finished sixth that year, missing out on a "double chance" in the finals for the first time in Joel's career. They lost their first finals game and were out.

Joel was still Geelong's top midfielder. He led the team in possessions and was among the league's best for clearances and contested possessions. He finished second for the Carji Greeves Medal. He also won the AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award for the second time. After just six seasons, Joel was given life membership of the Geelong Football Club.

A Brownlow Runner-Up: 2013

Joel and Geelong started the 2013 AFL season with seven wins in a row. They finished second on the ladder. Joel played his 150th game for the club, setting a record for the fastest to reach 150 games for Geelong. He also became the third-youngest player in club history to play 150 games. Joel set a VFL/AFL record for the highest winning percentage among 150-game players, with 124 wins (83%).

Joel also improved his goal-kicking, scoring 17 goals in the last 7 games of the season. Geelong lost their first final but won their Semi-Final against Port Adelaide. This was Joel's first finals win as captain. However, they lost the preliminary final to Hawthorn by just 5 points.

In 2013, former teammate Gary Ablett Jr, seen here playing for Gold Coast Suns, was the only person stopping Selwood from winning both the AFLPA Most Valuable Player Award and the 2013 Brownlow Medal

Joel's great season earned him many awards. He was named an All-Australian for the third time and was chosen as the captain of the All-Australian team. He won his first AFLPA Best Captain Award. He also won his third AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award. Joel finished second to former teammate Gary Ablett Jr for both the AFLPA Most Valuable Player Award and the 2013 Brownlow Medal. He got a career-best 27 votes for the Brownlow Medal, just one vote behind Ablett Jr. Joel also won his second Carji Greeves Medal.

Another All-Australian Captaincy: 2014

Despite a hamstring injury, Joel led Geelong to an unbeaten start in the 2014 AFL season. He was praised for making key contributions even when he wasn't playing his best. For example, he kicked the winning goal against Carlton. Geelong finished third on the ladder. They lost both their finals games, which was the first time Joel had lost two finals in a row.

Joel was named to his fourth 2014 All-Australian team and was captain for the second year in a row. He won his fourth AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award. He also finished second for the AFLPA Best Captain Award and tied for fifth in the Brownlow Medal. Joel set a new club record for most career Brownlow Medal votes by a Geelong player. He led the team in total disposals, tackles, and clearances. He won his second straight Carji Greeves Medal, becoming the seventh player in Geelong's history to win at least three.

During the off-season, Joel was named captain of the Australian national team for the 2014 International Rules Series against Ireland. He led Australia to a win, taking back the "Cormac McAnallen Trophy."

Challenges and Preliminary Finals: 2015–2019

A Tough Season: 2015

In the 2015 AFL season, Joel had some strong games, like his 38-disposal effort against Gold Coast. In Round 19, Joel played his 200th game for Geelong. At 27, he was the youngest player in club history to reach 200 games. He was also the fourth-fastest player in VFL/AFL history to play 200 games. With many experienced players leaving, Joel had to lead a young midfield. He often faced "taggers" (players who try to stop him). Geelong finished tenth, missing the finals for the first and only time in Joel's career. He was not named in the All-Australian team that year, but he still finished third for the AFLPA Most Courageous Player Award.

Back to Finals: 2016

Geelong was a strong team again in the 2016 AFL season. Joel was joined in the midfield by star player Patrick Dangerfield. Joel also got to play with his younger brother, Scott. Geelong finished second on the ladder. They won their Qualifying Final against Hawthorn by two points. Joel was rated Geelong's second-best player with 26 disposals. They then lost the Preliminary Final to Sydney. Joel had a season-high 39 disposals and a career-best 13 tackles in that game.

Joel was named to the All-Australian team for the fifth time and was captain for the third time. He led the league in free kicks won. He also had a career-best average of 28.3 disposals per game. He finished second in Brownlow Medal votes for Geelong, behind Dangerfield.

Injuries and More Finals: 2017

In the 2017 AFL season, Joel had a great first half of the year. He had a career-best 43 disposals in one game. He missed some games due to a concussion and an ankle injury that needed surgery. Geelong finished second on the ladder. They lost their Qualifying Final to Richmond. They won their Semi-Final against Sydney. Joel played better in the preliminary final against Adelaide with 34 disposals, but Geelong lost by a lot.

Despite missing games, Joel was named to the All-Australian team for the sixth time. He finished second for the AFLPA Most Courageous Player Award. Joel also rejoined the national team for the 2017 International Rules Series. Australia won the series.

A Challenging Year: 2018

In the 2018 AFL season, Joel played his 250th game in Round 1. He was the third-quickest player to reach this milestone in VFL/AFL history. He had a season-best 39 disposals in that game. Geelong barely made the finals, finishing eighth. They lost their Elimination Final to Melbourne. Joel's performance was affected by being "tagged" by an opponent. Despite the team's struggles, Joel was praised for his leadership. He finished fourth in the AFLPA Best Captain Award voting.

Minor Premiers Again: 2019

Geelong had a great 2019 AFL season, finishing as "minor premiers" (top of the ladder). This was Joel's third McClelland Trophy. Joel showed some signs of slowing down, but he still played important roles. Geelong lost their Qualifying Final to Collingwood. They then won their Semi-Final against West Coast. Joel played well in the Preliminary Final against Richmond, but Geelong lost again. This was Geelong's third preliminary final loss in four years.

Grand Final Returns and Retirement: 2020–2022

Reaching 300 Games: 2020

Joel played his 300th game in Round 5, 2020. He became only the fifth Geelong player to reach this milestone. Geelong won the game, keeping Joel's perfect record of winning all his milestone games. Joel missed some games due to hamstring and knee injuries. Geelong finished fourth. They lost their Qualifying Final but won their Semi-Final and Preliminary Final. This sent them to their first Grand Final since 2011. Geelong lost the 2020 AFL Grand Final to Richmond. Joel played well in the loss, with 21 disposals.

Breaking Records: 2021

Geelong was strong again in the 2021 AFL season. Joel only missed one game for rest. He had a season-high 39 disposals in one game. Geelong lost their Qualifying Final but won their Semi-Final. In that Semi-Final, Joel became Geelong's games record holder, playing his 333rd game. This meant he had played more games for Geelong than anyone else. They lost their Preliminary Final to Melbourne by a large margin. Joel finished fourth for the AFLPA Best Captain award.

A Captain's Premiership and Retirement: 2022

The 2022 AFL season was amazing for Geelong. They won 16 games in a row and became "minor premiers." They then won the 2022 premiership. Joel was a key part of the team, even though he was rested sometimes. This was his 11th and final season as captain. He won the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his great work in the community. In Round 3, Joel broke Stephen Kernahan's record for the most games played as an AFL captain.

After many years of trying, Joel finally won his fourth premiership, and his first as captain. His 2022 Grand Final game was his 40th final, which is the most finals played by any AFL player ever. He played very well in the Grand Final win against the Sydney Swans, getting 26 disposals and an emotional goal.

Joel announced his retirement less than a week after the Grand Final win. He kept his retirement a secret from most of the team to keep them focused on winning the premiership. He was the third Geelong captain in a row to retire after winning a premiership.

Joel Selwood's Player Profile

Joel Selwood spent most of his career as an inside midfielder. This means he was often in the middle of the action, winning the ball.

Joel is known as one of the most consistent and well-rounded players ever. He was very physical and tough, always playing with high intensity. He also had a reputation as one of the bravest players, winning the "Robert Rose Award" four times. However, his tough style often led to head injuries.

Joel was known for putting his head over the ball and getting free kicks. He was very good at making tacklers grab him high, which often resulted in a free kick for him. Other players even studied how to tackle him properly. Joel said this was a "benefit" he got from seeing a "weakness" in how opponents tackled.

Joel's leadership was always praised. He became captain at 23 and captained the national team at 26. On the field, he inspired teammates with his actions, not just his words. Hall of Fame member Wayne Carey called Joel a "once-in-a-generation leader."

Off the field, Joel was known for his professionalism and dedication. He said his leadership style was about "caring for your teammates" and "making them better people." He looked up to former Geelong captains Tom Harley and Cameron Ling. Joel always focused on working hard on the basics. He admitted he wasn't the fastest or most skillful, but his hard running, tackling, and "one-percent plays" (small efforts that help the team) were very important. He holds the record for the most tackles in VFL/AFL history. Experts also called him the "best wet-weather player in the game."

Joel Selwood's Personal Life

Joel Selwood is married to Brit Davis, who is a model and special education teacher. They have four children. Joel has three brothers, all of whom have played for AFL clubs: his older twin brothers, Adam and Troy, and a younger brother, Scott.

Joel has been involved in many promotions for the National Australia Bank (NAB) since winning the AFL Rising Star Award. He is also an ambassador for Auskick, which is the AFL's junior development program. He mentors the "Auskicker of the Year" every year. Joel and his family also work with the Seeing Eye Dogs Association (SEDA). They sponsor puppies that are being trained as guide dogs. One of the dogs was even named "Selwood" in their family's honor.

Joel has always been a fan of the Geelong Football Club. He looked up to former Geelong star Gary Ablett Sr when he was a child. Joel has also had endorsement deals with companies like Asics and Smith's snacks. He even has a spot on a special AFL Premiership Monopoly game board.

What Joel Selwood is Doing Now

After retiring from playing AFL in 2022, Joel Selwood took on a leadership coaching role with the Melbourne Storm rugby league team.

In 2023, Joel joined Network Seven's Talking Footy Finals show to talk about the AFL finals.

At the end of 2023, it was announced that a new grandstand at Kardinia Park (Geelong's home ground) would be named after Joel Selwood. Joel was also appointed to the AFL's football operations department for 2024.

Statistics

Updated to the end of the 2022 season.

Notes

Honours and Achievements

Team Awards

• 4× AFL Premiership (Geelong): 2007, 2009, 2011, 2022
• 4× McClelland Trophy (Geelong): 2007, 2008, 2019, 2022
• NAB Cup (Geelong): 2009
• 2× Cormac McAnallen Cup (Australia): 2014, 2017

Individual Awards

• 6× All-Australian: 2009, 2010, 2013 (C), 2014 (C), 2016 (C), 2017
• 3× Carji Greeves Medal: 2010, 2013, 2014
• AFLPA Best Captain Award: 2013
• 4× AFLPA Robert Rose Most Courageous Player Award: 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014
• Michael Tuck Medal: 2009
• AFLCA Best Young Player Award: 2008
• AFL Rising Star Award: 2007
• AFLPA Best First-Year Player Award: 2007
• 2× Peter Badcoe VC Medal: 2016, 2018
• 5× Geelong F.C. Most club votes in Brownlow Medal: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
• Geelong F.C. Coach's Award: 2014
• 2× Geelong F.C. Tom Harley Award for Best Clubman: 2011, 2013
• 3× Geelong F.C. Community Champion Award: 2011, 2020, 2022
• Geelong F.C. Best First Year Player Award: 2007
• Captain of Australia in International Rules Series: 2014
• Victorian Representative Honours in AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match: 2008
• 2× K-Rock Geelong Football Player of the Year: 2013, 2014
• Bendigo Sports Star of the Year Award: 2009
• Fox Sports Best First-Year Player Award: 2007
• Captain of Geelong F.C.: 2012–2022
• Vice-captain of Geelong F.C.: 2011
• Geelong F.C. Life Membership Inductee: 2012

Other Achievements

• Only player in VFL/AFL history to win the AFL Rising Star Award and play in an AFL premiership within the same year: 2007
• Only Geelong player to win the AFL Rising Star Award: 2007
• Third-longest all-time streak for most consecutive victories by an AFL player (25 wins): 2008
• Fifth-fastest player in VFL/AFL history to reach 100 senior games (4 years and 42 days after debut): 2011
• Most career-polled Brownlow votes by a Geelong player (137 votes): 2014
• Youngest player in Geelong history to play 200 senior games (27 years of age): 2015
• Fourth-fastest player in VFL/AFL history to reach 200 senior games (8 years and 129 days after debut): 2015
• Most finals played in VFL/AFL history (40)
• Equal-most finals series played (15), shared with Dick Lee and Michael Tuck
• Fourth-most wins in VFL/AFL history (259 wins; 72.96% win rate)
• Only 4-time premiership player for Geelong (2007, 2009, 2011, 2022.)

See also

• List of Australian rules football families
• List of AFL debuts in 2007
• List of Geelong Football Club individual awards and records