Former Geelong captain Joel Selwood identifies type of leader he wants to take his old role

Joel Selwood has identified what sort of captain he would like to see in charge at Geelong in 2023. Find out here.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 06: Joel Selwood poses for a photograph during a Melbourne Storm NRL media opportunity at AAMI Park on February 06, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

FORMER Geelong skipper Joel Selwood has stopped short of naming his preferred successor, but he believes the Cats have a “number of candidates” heading into the new campaign.

Geelong will begin its premiership defence in less than six weeks time with a round 1 clash against Collingwood at the MCG, but despite the rapidly approaching season, the club is yet to announce a new skipper.

Selwood, who captained Geelong in 245 games — the most of any AFL player ever — identified the key attributes he would want to see in the next leader of the club.

“They want to do the job of a weekend, the performance side of leadership is really important I think,” he said.

“Culturally they want the players to be in a good place, they can be good on the field and off the field and I think that’s what we see here in a lot of leaders.

“It’s going to be left in the hands of the footy club and I look forward to that coming out more than probably any of the other boys there at this stage.

“They’re in a great position where they have a number of candidates.”

Joel Selwood stopped short of naming his preferred successor. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Selwood has joined Melbourne Storm ahead of the NRL season as a leadership coach, with the rugby league powerhouse set to play its first official trial game at GMHBA Stadium on February 12.

The former Cat said he was looking forward to his trip back down the highway.

“I had a pretty good record down there so hopefully the boys can continue that,” he said.

“It’s going to be a little bit different sitting on the other side of the fence, but in saying that I’m still learning the game, my key role is to look after those leaders and bring them through as quickly as possible.

“The main thing that shines out over everything else is they have bring players in from here there and everywhere, so for them to come wanting to play for the Storm, but then getting the opportunity I feel the boys are really grateful.

“Now it’s their turn to take it out onto the field and make sure they make the most of their time in a Storm jersey.”

Originally published as Former Geelong captain Joel Selwood identifies type of leader he wants to take his old role