Joel Selwood

Joel Selwood, a distinguished former Australian rules footballer, made an immediate impact in his 2007 AFL debut season, becoming the first player in VFL/AFL history to win both the AFL Rising Star Award and the AFLPA Best First-Year Player Award, while also securing an AFL premiership within the same year. Drafted by the Geelong Football Club as the seventh overall pick in the 2006 AFL draft, his breakout 2007 season also saw him awarded the Ron Evans Medal, followed by the AFLCA Best Young Player Award in 2008. Selwood continued his early success in 2009, contributing to a pre-season premiership and earning the Michael Tuck Medal. Selwood was a pivotal member of Geelong’s premiership teams in 2007, 2009, and 2011, serving as vice-captain for the 2011 victory.

His decorated playing career culminated in 2022 with a fourth premiership, his first as captain, after which he announced his retirement. Following his retirement, Selwood has transitioned into new leadership roles within the sporting world. He has taken on a leadership coaching position with the Melbourne Storm and joined the AFL’s football operations department for 2024, contributing his extensive experience and strategic insight. Beyond his professional commitments, Selwood remains dedicated to community initiatives, serving as an ambassador for both NAB Auskick and the Cotton On Foundation, leveraging his platform to support youth development and charitable causes.