Geelong paid tribute to a club great in Saturday’s win over the Western Bulldogs with captain Joel Selwood hitting the 350-game milestone.
Already the famous club’s games record holder, Selwood’s resume is one of the best in AFL/VFL history with three premierships, six All-Australians and three best and fairests to his name among other accolades.
With such glittering success throughout his career, the question has been posed whether the midfielder will one day be recognised with Legend status in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Considering his standing in the game, Tony Jones, Nathan Brown, Matthew Lloyd, Damian Barrett and Kane Cornes gave their thoughts on how Selwood’s career will be remembered on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
Jones: “It’s raised this debate and I don’t know whether there’s a right answer about who is the greatest Geelong player of all.
“You’ve got names like the Abletts, this man, Jimmy Bartel, Polly Farmer, the list goes on beyond that.”
Brown: “He’s a superstar, isn’t he? Does he go ahead of the Abletts because of his leadership?
“‘Junior’ (Gary Ablett Jr.) and ‘Senior’ (Gary Ablett Sr.) were so good at everything they did, but if there’s one thing he’s better than them at it is leading a football club.”
Lloyd: “Great point, he’s one of the great leaders in the history of our game, that man.
“Will he receive Legend status of the AFL?”
Barrett: “I don’t see him getting to Legend status for what it’s worth, Wayne Carey isn’t a Legend so I don’t think he will be, no.”
Cornes: “What if you’re the best player at a club like Geelong though, which he’s in the conversation of.”
Barrett: “I think the leadership component to him is the absolute stand-out point to him more than the playing, I don’t say that to detract from his playing style or way because he’s been extraordinary.
“But I don’t see him as a Legend, no. You’ve got to go in as a player, not for overall achievements.”
Cornes: “I see him as a Legend one day.
“Wayne Carey will get there, a lot of these legends have to wait until they’re 70 or 75 to get there, I’m not saying it’ll be in the next 20 years.
“But look at his record, it’s as good as any player ever, across the board.”
Selwood will hope to win a fourth premiership in season 2022 with his Cats the favourites to win it all.
The ladder leaders next face St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.
"I don't think he will be."
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) July 31, 2022
"Look at his record, it's as good as any player, ever."
The panel debates whether Joel Selwood could become a legend of the Australian football hall of fame, after he celebrated his 350th with a win over the Bulldogs. #9AFLSFS | Watch on @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/XkTq9BSNDi