AFL 2020: Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood classy gesture to Matt Rowell

AFL stars Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood were spotted behind the scenes performing an act of absolute class towards the game’s hottest talent.

Gary Ablett tracked down Matt Rowell after the Cats' win.

AFL stars Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood have performed an act of absolute class as they tracked down injured star Matt Rowell following the Cats’ big win over the Gold Coast on Saturday night.

Ablett and Selwood were the focus for almost everyone inside Kardinia Park after they were given a guard of honour by both teams to celebrate their combined milestone of 650 senior games.

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After they walked off the field to a standing ovation, both Ablett and Selwood individually sought out Rowell after the No. 1 draft pick suffered a serious shoulder injury in the first quarter of the clash.

Joel Selwood comforts Matt Rowell after the Cats' win.

With Rowell dislocating his shoulder and missing the final three quarters of the match, Ablett (350) and Selwood (300) were able to celebrate their milestones in style as the Cats ran away to a 13.11 (89) to 8.4 (52) win.

With the dust still settling on the Cats’ big night, Ablett and Selwood broke away from their celebrations to reach out to the 19-year-old.

Gary Ablett tracked down Matt Rowell after the Cats' win.

Selwood first tracked Rowell down on the sidelines and went and gave him a quick hug before Ablett met up with Rowell in the centre circle where they exchanged some words and a fist bump.

AFL legend Nick Riewoldt said it was heartwarming to see the champions show such class.

“There were some great pictures after the game… they still had the presence of mind to go and seek out Matt Rowell,” he said.

All class from Joel Selwood 🙏

The Geelong captain made sure to get around Matt Rowell after the game.

(via @afl)

pic.twitter.com/VfctxGovsC

— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 4, 2020

Hawks icon Jason Dunstall told Fox Footy Rowell would have benefited from Ablett’s wise words after the Cats star also suffered a season-ending shoulder injury while playing for the Suns.

“Gary Ablett went over to him afterwards,” he said.

“He was just saying, ‘I did my shoulder. If you ever want to have a chat give me a bell’.”

The footy world was full of praise for Selwood and Ablett, with some even declaring they sportsmanship brought them to tears.

Bad luck @GoldCoastSUNS.. you did us all proud! What a great game... but the highlight was @joelselwood14 walking up to speak with an injured Matt Rowell .. it brought tears to my eyes. All class. Well done to Joel and @GaryAblettJnr and the @GeelongCats11 .. #myno2team #gosuns pic.twitter.com/0XiMqubd8G

— Bianca Stone (@Bianca_Stone) July 4, 2020

Ablett goes over to Rowell after the game and offers his support...if my lip reading is any good he told him to reach out if he needs any advice. Love that #AFLCatsSuns

— Nat Edwards (@Nat_Edwards) July 4, 2020

Joel Selwood going over to check on Rowell. You absolutely love to see it #AFLCatsSuns

— Oliver Caffrey (@ollycaffrey) July 4, 2020

Classy from Joel Selwood and Gary Ablett to reach out to an injured Matt Rowell after today's game. https://t.co/ihU6qUKCP3

— Glenn McFarlane (@MaccaHeraldSun) July 4, 2020