Joel Selwood contract talks: Skipper weighing up retirement after premiership win

As the premiership party drags on into another day, skipper Joel Selwood is still weighing up the possibility of playing on in 2023.

GEELONG, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022: The City of Greater Geelong hosts a street parade to celebrate the Geelong Cats winning the 2022 Toyota AFL Grand Final. Chris Scott and Joel Selwood. Picture: Mark Stewart

Premiership captain Joel Selwood is adamant a decision on his playing future has not been made yet, despite rumours swirling of retirement.

The four-time premiership Cat spent Tuesday celebrating with tens of thousands of fans lining the street for the parade in Geelong.

Selwood said he had not made a decision yet, but the announcement on his future would be coming in “the next week or so”.

Chris Scott, Senior Coach of the Cats and Joel Selwood of the Cats show off the premiership cup during the Geelong Cats 2022 AFL Premiers Street Parade on September 27, 2022 in Geelong, Australia. Picture: Morgan Hancock

“I’ve got to speak to a few important people that I’ll do in time and then I’ll make a decision when that comes,” he said.

“A day like today (Tuesday) comes into it a bit, but I’ll have to go through, speak to a number of different people and work that out in time and I’ll let you know.’

“It’s an absolute privilege to be a part of the day and this group of players, and also to be the lucky one to sit with the cup.

2022 AFL Grand Final between the Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans at the MCG. Geelong Cats Captain Joel Selwood kisses the Premiership Cup during the victory lap. Picture: David Caird

“We play for the supporters of the team, the same ones that are lining the street, and they make times like this really special.”

If Selwood re-signs, he would be entering his 17th season of AFL football, coming off a 2022 campaign where he averaged 21.9 disposals, 5.1 clearances, 4.3 tackles, 3.2 marks and 0.3 goals per game.

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The skipper led from the front on grand final day, collecting 26 disposals, eight marks, four tackles and the iconic goal that left Selwood unable to control his emotions.

Coach Chris Scott said he was not sure how close Selwood was to a decision on his playing future.

Joel Selwood of the Cats attends the Geelong Cats official end of AFL season celebrations at Wharf Shed on September 26, 2022 in Geelong, Australia. Picture: Morgan Hancock

“We’ve worked really hard to create a good environment for our players, and Joel is a big part of that,” he said.

“I’m sure we’ll sit down over the next few days and reflect a bit about the journey and talk about what’s next.”

Selwood became the first player in Geelong history to win four premierships, but he said winning one as captain made the journey more memorable.

Cats post-GF family day at St Mary's Oval, Kardinia Park. Captain Joel Selwood. Picture: Mike Dugdale

“It’s really special to be able to be a part of this group, they’re all amazing people and we have wanted to share the occasion with as many people as we could,” he said.

“This one will certainly be one I’ll cherish, but it’s been a while since our last one so that also adds to the occasion.”

Originally published as Joel Selwood contract talks: Skipper weighing up retirement after premiership win