Sydney star Errol Gulden reflects on being named in All-Australian team

What happens when you sit a Swans star with two Crows two weeks after an umpiring error which cost Adelaide a finals berth? Errol Gulden reveals all.

Gulden on stage after receiving what could be the first of many All-Australian blazers. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

During the AFL Awards night on Wednesday, soon-to-be All-Australian Errol Gulden found himself at a table with Charlie Curnow, Charlie Cameron and Adelaide duo Taylor Walker and Jordan Dawson.

The star-studded group sounds more like an answer a fan down at the local pub would give when asked: ‘Pick five footy players you’d invite over for dinner?’.

But naturally, the conversation turned to hot topics. And what else is there to talk about when a Swan is sitting next to two Crows?

The Ben Keays non-goal.

“Absolutely, it did (get mentioned),” Gulden said. “I think Dawso brought it up.”

Did they let bygones be bygones? Did it become heated? How did either player react?

“No comment,” Gulden offered with a cheeky grin.

Gulden in action during the Swans’ pivotal win against Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It’s easy to forget that Gulden is still only 21 the way he plays on the field each week.

He didn’t just earn All-Australian selection, he demanded it with a standout season that forced selectors to pick legitimate wingers once again.

Gulden ranked first for wingmen in 2023 for disposals, metres gained, groundball gets and score involvements.

It was no surprise he was selected for the team, but his teammates tried to make sure he didn’t sit too comfortably.

“A couple of boys [said they] weren’t quite sure how I made the squad, and stuff like that,” Gulden said. “It’s all in good humour.

“Horse (John Longmire) called me at the start of the week and let me know that I was in the actual team. I was over with a few of the boys at Nick Blakey’s house and we were just hanging around there.

“I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone but I told all the boys straight away.

“While I’m in the thick of this season and going into finals it’s probably not something I’ll appreciate at the moment. But once the season is over and I have time to reflect, it will dawn on me.

“It’s quite a surreal feeling being amongst a lot of those players last night. I’ll never forget it.”

Gulden pays credit to his teammates for helping to elevate him to All-Australian level. Picture: Phil Hillyard

If the Sydney coaches had to pick one player who was the most committed to footy, they would unanimously elect Gulden.

And it was on display again on Thursday morning. He was on a plane by 9am and training with his teammates only hours later.

Footy isn’t just a job for Gulden, although it’s a job he happens to be quite good at. It’s everything. The way he’s playing, the biggest surprise would be if this was his last All-Australian blazer.

“I came straight from the airport,” he said.

“The boys were warming up and a lot of them came over and gave me a big hug.

“I’m so grateful for my teammates and the role they’ve played in the past three years.

“It’s the best job in the world and I look forward to doing it every day with them.”

Originally published as Sydney star Errol Gulden reflects on being named in All-Australian team