Major Announcement – Geelong Legend Joel Selwood Returns Home as Player Development Lead and Club Ambassador
Explosive cheers have echoed through GMHBA Stadium as the Geelong Cats confirm the return of club legend Joel Selwood, with the former captain coming home to take on dual roles as player development mentor and team ambassador. The announcement, made during a special event at the stadium this afternoon, marks a triumphant homecoming for one of the greatest figures in AFL history.
In a move that has thrilled the Cats faithful, Selwood will rejoin the club he represented with distinction for 16 seasons, bringing unparalleled experience and leadership to support the next generation of Geelong talent. “Coming back to the Cats feels like coming home – this club is in my blood,” Selwood said during the announcement. “I’ve spent the past few years focusing on family and personal projects, but I’ve missed being part of the team environment and sharing what I’ve learned with young players. I’m excited to take on this new role and help build on the legacy we’ve created together.”
The club has confirmed Selwood will work closely with the midfield group, providing tactical insights, on-field development support, and personal guidance to emerging stars and established players alike. As team ambassador, he will also represent the Cats at community events, junior development programs, and corporate engagements, strengthening the club’s connection to its fans and broader community.
Selwood retired at the end of the 2023 AFL season as one of the Geelong Cats’ most decorated players. Drafted in 2006, he went on to achieve extraordinary success: a four-time premiership champion (2007, 2009, 2011, 2022), the club’s all-time games record holder with 355 appearances, and captain from 2012 to 2022. He set AFL records for most games as captain (245) and most final matches (40), earning six All-Australian selections and three Carji Greeves Medals as the club’s best and fairest.
Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking praised the appointment as a landmark moment for the club: “Joel Selwood is not just a legend of our club – he is an icon of the AFL. His leadership, resilience and commitment to excellence have shaped our culture for over a decade. Having him back in this capacity ensures his wisdom and passion will continue to drive our club forward for years to come.”
The announcement caps off a week of emotional moments for the AFL, with the league celebrating Selwood’s return as a testament to the enduring bonds between clubs and their greatest servants. Fans have already begun sharing tributes across social media, with #SelwoodIsHome trending nationally within minutes of the news breaking.
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