AFL 2020: Diving video exposes Geelong stars Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield
A video on social media has captured the ugly truth of the diving storm surrounding Geelong stars after a month of controversy.
OPINION
There isn’t a footy player in 2020 that attracts more criticism — fair and unfair — than Geelong captain Joel Selwood.
Despite his countless acts of courage under fire and the pride he has brought to the Cats’ jumper, his papers — in the eyes of some at least — have been marked.
Whether it be his unofficial status as an umpire’s pet with record free kick numbers in 2016 or the ducking for free-kicks storm that followed him all through the 2018 season, the trust for some has been broken.
With a divisive reputation as both the epitome of footy class and also everything that’s wrong with the modern game, Selwood is watched more closely and judged more harshly.
For years, he has been the victim of unfair criticism.
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Unfortunately, the real problem the star midfielder faces is that the hostile reception from social media keyboard warriors appears increasingly justified.
Not their abuse, obviously, but certainly the gripe that propels many to vent their frustrations about the 32-year-old.
Selwood’s reputation has both fed into and been a victim of his club’s growing reputation as a team of divers.
While many other Geelong stars have also been subjected to social media storms in recent years with accusations of diving, Selwood has come to symbolise the ugly tactic concerningly common down at Kardinia Park.
A video posted on Twitter after the Cats’ loss to Collingwood on Thursday night in Perth showed superstars Gary Ablett and Patrick Dangerfield going to water during marking contests.
The damning video is the real problem for Geelong — much of the criticism the team is facing in recent times, is justified.
What are they training down at the Cattery? pic.twitter.com/XqCNfbAI4v
— Simon Morawetz (@SYMorawetz) July 17, 2020
It can’t be forgotten that Collingwood won the free-kick count on Thursday night 22-10 — but that doesn’t validate the seemingly systematic, habitual flops seen in the video above.
Whether the Geelong players were trying to accentuate minor contact, or just took a dive, plain and simple, it is ugly viewing for three players who will be remembered as modern legends of the sport.
Even legends can have asterisks next to their names at the end of proud careers, though, and that is the dangerous avenue they are beginning to head down.
A dark side that will follow them around just as their undeniable status as champion players and admirable role models does. Hand in hand.
It’s why Selwood’s apparent dive after taking an elbow to the ribcage during the Cats’ win over Brisbane recently caused such an uproar online.
Selwood got off scot-free for a swinging arm tackle that slid high into the face of Lions player Grant Birchall. Selwood collapsed to the ground when Birchall responded with a strike to his torso. Despite Selwood’s performance, the on-field umpire didn’t even reverse the free-kick.
Grant Birchall has been fined $1000 for striking Joel Selwood. pic.twitter.com/VeN42QOSSc
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 10, 2020
He also appeared to have been hit with a ton of bricks when glanced off the ball by Blues youngster Tom Williamson last month. That time Selwood won the free kick.
He also won the social media storm that came with it, with footy legend Gerard Healy summing up the performance by declaring Selwood had put “some mayo on it” by playing up the incidental contact.
It was just another instance where the criticism was justified. And that’s the real problem.