Cats champion Joel Selwood drops news every football fan dreaded

Geelong champion Joel Selwood has revealed extraordinary details about the way he kept his big secret quiet for so long.

Joel Selwood announces his retirement.

Every fairytale needs an ending.

Joel Selwood has announced his retirement in an emotional farewell press conference on Wednesday.

The Cats champion is going out in dream fashion following Geelong’s premiership victory — his fourth grand final win as a player.

The 34-year-old played in a record 40th career final in the victory over the Swans in what turned out to be his 355th and final match in the AFL.

Selwood broke down at different times when asked questions about his family and teammates.

He needed a moment to compose himself when speaking about the time he gave the news to coach Chris Scott recently, having been under the impression that teammate Tom Hawkins had already told the coach.

Watch every match of the AFLW Season LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

AFL Geelong Captain Joel Selwood announces retirement. Picture: Jason Edwards

“That was one of the toughest conversations I’ve had to do,” he said.

“I basically told him that I was OK and that I was OK with the decision.”

He went on to say: “We had a bit of a cry together.”

Selwood said that leading into grand final week just six people knew that he had already made the call to retire regardless of the result. He said his mind was made up following the Cats win in Round 23 before the start of the finals.

He said even his brothers didn’t know.

He said he had spoken to teammates, including Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield, before making the decision — they both told him they wanted him to play on in 2023.

“I couldn’t even tell a couple of my best mates until Grand Final week,” he said.

“I couldn’t tell any of the players, couldn’t let them any of them play on emotion.

Scott was also emotional during the press conference and called Selwood the greatest player he had ever coach.

Selwood said he has not made a decision on what he will do next.

Joel Selwood and Cameron Guthrie of the Cats. Picture by Michael Klein

It is news every Cats fan has dreaded since speculation began last month that he was wrestling with a decision to retire.

Geelong has announced a media conference will be held at GMHBA Stadium at 1pm (AEST).

The news comes as no shock to the football world but it will still go down like a bomb with Geelong fans.

He was seen in tears after the grand final win in a sign many commentators saw as a clear indication he was walking into retirement.

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.”

He shrugged off direct questions about retirement after the game and kept the spotlight on the rest of the team.

Chris Scott and Joel Selwood show off the Premiership cup in front of Geelong fans. Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images.

Speculation has already turned to what the six-time All-Australian’s next career move will be with suggestions he could be headed into coaching.

Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni told SEN on Wednesday: “Every club in the AFL will pick up the phone and probably have a chat to him”.

Demons legend Garry Lyon said: “I don’t think there is an organisation in this country that wouldn’t be clamouring for his services given how highly held he is right now”.

His career spanned 16 seasons and there was an incredible gap of 15 years between his first premiership victory and his final one last week.

Joel Selwood announces his retirement.

The footy world reacted with widespread admiration for the way the Geelong games record holder has conducted himself during his career.

Radio broadcaster Shane McInnes said on Twitter: “It’s hard to find too many players who have been as successful as they are inspirational. That’s why Joel Selwood stands out.

“A legacy left on the game and just as importantly, on the next generation of players.”

Sport journalist Kane Pittman posted: “Joel Selwood announcing his retirement is truly devastating but just makes Saturday even more perfect. Just an absolute giant of the game”.

Veteran football journalist Rohan Connolly wrote on Twitter: “What a career! Courageous, inspirational, incredibly consistent on the field, humble & selfless off it, Joel Selwood has made not just a club but AFL football a much better place for his presence.

“Congrats @joelselwood14, it’s been a privilege to watch you.”

The tributes kept pouring in.

There couldn't have been a more perfect way for Joel Selwood to leave the game. Premiership Cup. Plenty of the footy. A goal. Every single @GeelongCats supporter chanting his name. An absolute giant of the AFL.

— Ryan Reynolds (@Reynolds_R) September 28, 2022

If you were to write the script for the dream/perfect AFL career, surely you'd just copy Joel Selwood's?

Best winning percentage ever, four flags, renowned/beloved captain, start and finish with a flag, 355 games...

— Nic Negrepontis (@NicNegrepontis) September 28, 2022

The fact he didn't announce it on grand final day, didn't announce it at the Cats' fan day on Sunday or at the parade yesterday, and also not at the Carji ... tells you everything you need to know about J. Selwood. #selwood

— Erin Delahunty (@della79) September 28, 2022

Taken with pick No. 7 in the 2006 national draft, Selwood played a in premiership in his debut season in 2007, then again in 2009 and 2011 before leading his team to the ultimate prize this season.

Selwood also set an AFL record for most games as captain, having led Geelong in 245 matches after taking on the role in 2012, when he was just 23.

Ten years later, it is clear the football world was lucky to have watched his career unfold.

Originally published as Cats champion Joel Selwood drops news every football fan dreaded