Blessed. That’s what I regard myself as, as a Cats supporter growing up in the golden era of Geelong.

 

And it’s all because of one man in particular, a hero in his own right, who has carried and continues to shine light on the Geelong name in the most honourable ways.

 

The first name that would come to Geelong supporters’ heads’ when you mention someone who personifies the ‘Geelong way’ is Joel Selwood.

 

‘Selsy’ as he’s affectionately known in the Players’ Stand of Kardinia Park, where I sit with my Dad, Uncle James, Aunty Maz and now Mitch and Tracey, has been the stalwart for our club for many seasons and will forever be our hero long after he has retired.

 

Little Joel, back in 2007, was never really ‘little’, if you think about it. He was a giant of the game in the making and it didn’t take long for the rest of the club – and the rest of the competition, to hold their heads a little higher when Selwood was around.

 

I remember reading in ‘The Mission 2’ book years ago and it mentioned how at the half-time huddle, Joel Selwood, a then 20-year-old, was speaking to the whole team, willing them, pushing them. Everyone then stood taller because Joel Selwood stood tallest.

 

His commanding and expecting energy to bring greatness to our club’s name is something the Cats collective admire and will forever be grateful for.

 

And yes, his accolades and awards prove that he is in fact one of the greatest to play our game, but they do not scratch the surface of the character who is Joel Selwood.

 

I think the Geelong faithful will agree that if we could bottle him up forever, we would. His love for the game, for our club and for our people, is something you just don’t find in every football club anymore.

 

In today’s fickle world of AFL, with players and loyalties changing yearly, I’m proud to know that Joel Selwood is a Cat through and through.

 

And while he is one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen play the game, more importantly, he is an even greater person, one who many look up to both on and off the field.