Retirement speculation runs rife for Cats stars after historic Grand Final victory

Speculation ran wild over the future of several Geelong stars and it was after their historic win that one comment slipped through.

MELBOURNE, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022: 2022 AFL Grand Final between the Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans at the MCG. Isaac Smith and Joel Selwood celebrate the win. Picture: Mark Stewart

Retirement speculation was rife in the closing stages of the Grand Final as the Cats marched towards a historic victory.

In what was one-way traffic at the MCG, Geelong recorded a 20.13 (133) to 8.4 (52) win, the equal fifth biggest win in a decider of all-time.

As the clock wound down, Geelong skipper Joel Selwood got on the end of a tap from a teammate and snapped from about 40m out to nail a goal.

Selwood put his head in his hands as the goal sailed through the big sticks as his teammates came from everywhere to celebrate.

The scenes sent the football world into speculation mode as many believed the outpouring of emotion was an indication from Selwood this would be the final game of his illustrious career.

Selwood could hardly keep it together in an interview with Seven after the match.

“Sorry,” he said, composing himself.

“Man, it’s been ... They’re so hard to win. They’re so hard to win. Every side says it, but I think we deserved one.

“Just been bashing away. We don’t apologise to being up there, having a crack at it each year. So many, please get around all of them. They all have great stories.”

As the Cats players names were being read out, the MCG erupted into a chorus of “SELWOOD” as the now four-time premiership winner approached the podium to collect his medal.

In the rooms, Selwood said he hadn’t thought about what was next but said he’d discuss it with the club.

“We’ll see, we’ll speak during the week obviously and I’m ready to go one way or the other but not now, I’m not the emotional type,” Selwood told the Herald Sun.

“I’ve always been in the moment, I have always had that mindset to rest at that end. I just haven’t thought too much about that (next year) just yet.”

Yes Joel ❤️#AFLGFpic.twitter.com/HGIhi3p1EK

— AFL (@AFL) September 24, 2022

But Selwood isn’t alone in the sphere of Geelong players with question marks hanging over their heads with teammate Isaac Smith right alongside him.

Smith produced arguably his greatest performance against the Swans as he claimed a historic Norm Smith Medal.

Smith finished with 32 disposals, 12 score involvements, three goals and an absurd 771 metres gained.

After the game as he was soaking up the win, he let slip the curtain could be set to fall on his career.

“Thanks, Richo. I’m still in a little bit of shock, to be honest. It was an unbelievable performance by the boys. To have four, it’s silly, to be honest,” Smith said on Channel 7.

“I’ve been very lucky to share moments with Isla and poor little Emmett’s not old enough to realise what’s going on. The photos that come out of this, I’m sure we will cherish for a long, long time.”

Richardson let Smith know he had broken the record as the oldest ever winner of the Norm Smith Medal, breaking Kevin Bartlett’s record set back in 1980.

“Well, a few people were writing us Silver Foxes off, but still a little bit in the tank.

“This is an unbelievable club. The culture is talked about a hell of a lot. They have a great balance between being professional, but also enjoying your footy and spending a lot of time doing other things. I’m very fortunate I’ve been at two unbelievable football clubs. I consider myself very lucky.”

But it was when Richardson said “got a few years left the way you’re moving” that Smith let slip arguably the biggest retirement hint.

“I don’t know about that, mate. Maybe this wouldn’t be a bad ending.”

Fans after the game speculated Tom Hawkins may be another to join the retirement ranks after the Cats claimed the chocolates.

"I hope it's not the end. But if it was, it would be a damn right fitting end. Who knows."

- Nigel Lappin, Geelong assistant coach, on Joel Selwood's playing future. #AFLGF

— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) September 24, 2022