Geelong captain Joel Selwood has retired atop the AFL world, stepping away after 355 games with his last coming in the Cats’ Grand Final win over Sydney.
Having become the first Geelong player in history to win four premierships, Selwood will be remembered as perhaps the greatest to ever pull on the hoops.
Renowned for his immense fearlessness and toughness, the lasting image of Selwood will be the leader barking orders with a cut above his eyebrow or a bandage wrapped around his head.
Despite that gritty reputation, Selwood revealed at his retirement press conference that he’s far more sensitive than has been let on as one moment with young teammate Sam De Koning caused him to shed a tear late in Saturday’s game.
“I am pretty soft at times, I am looking at my wife here, I do cuddle her, I do love her,” Selwood said.
“I think the boys know that side of me within the locker room too.
“It’s funny, I’ll take you into a moment on the weekend, I came off in the last quarter.
“Sam De Koning was on the interchange bench with me on one side and ‘Blics’ (Mark Blicavs) was on the other side.
“And Sam just said, ‘You can’t finish’, which is pretty special, like a 21-year-old kid probably read the moment.
“Blics knew I was in a bit of trouble, the heart was racing and the eyes were watering.
“I knew I was going out for the last 15 minutes of the game and of my career.
“Yeah, I am a little bit soft.”
Selwood also revealed at the presser that he came to his decision to retire six weeks ago, but only told his closest teammates in recent days so not to have them playing on emotion in the decider.
Along with his four premierships, Selwood’s accolades include being a six-time All-Australian, four-time Robert Rose Most Courageous Player, three-time Carji Greeves Medal, Rising Star winner and AFLPA Best Captain winner.
He also holds the records for most games for Geelong, most games played as an AFL captain, most wins as an AFL captain and most finals ever played.