Geelong AFL great Joel Selwood has called time on his career, announcing his retirement just days after winning his fourth premiership with the Cats.
The 34-year-old made his name as one of the most fearless players in the league, leading from the front in a Geelong side that was ever-present in finals but went more than a decade between flags before breaking its drought with an 81-point win over Sydney on Saturday.
Selwood finishes his career with a string of records, including the most games as a team captain (227), the most finals played in VFL-AFL history (40) and the record number of games played for Geelong (355).
"Six weeks ago I decided that this would be it, win lose or draw, at the Geelong Football Club [at the end of the season]," he said.
He reached his decision after speaking with friends and teammates like Tom Stewart and Patrick Dangerfield, and then raised it with club chief executive Steve Hocking, who left the decision up to him.
"I decided that I could go again next year at 85 per cent, and everyone would look after me but I had to be all in and I just couldn't do that."
Selwood said he told coach Chris Scott of his decision ahead of the team's game against West Coast in round 23.
"First we had a bit of a cry together, then [after going to leave] I had to turn around and have another hug," he said.
Selwood praised the stability of the club over his 16 seasons.
"I've played under three presidents, I've had two coaches, two CEOs, three footy managers [at Geelong] — it's just such a stable and unbelievable place to go to work," he said.
"They put people in underneath them who love going to work. You don't come to the Geelong Football Club to go to work for money, you come for the experience. I've loved every part of that."
Selwood, who is soon to become a father for the first time with his wife Brit, said he would miss the players and the club and didn't know what he would do next.
"I walked into this club when I was 18 — I may be working here, I may be working elsewhere. I don't have the answer for you," he said.
"My phone is turned off but my manager's is on … I'm open to anything."
Scott praised Selwood for his career and his presence as a person.
"We won the footy lottery getting to spend a decade with Joel Selwood," Scott said.
"Forget everything he's done on the footy field — and the rest would still be amazing.
"There won't be much cap space without Joel … he could have had us over a barrel and we would have paid him anything [to keep him] but he never did."
Selwood always at home in elite footy
From his early days in the AFL, the star junior from the Bendigo Pioneers looked at home in elite football.
His career was bookended by overwhelming grand final wins. Weeks after being a runaway winner of the AFL Rising Star award in his debut season, Selwood was part of Geelong's record-breaking 119-point victory over Port Adelaide to win the 2007 premiership.
He was named captain of the club in 2012, and became over the years one of its most recognisable faces. Loved within the club and respected among his peers, Selwood drew controversy over the number of free kicks he earned for being tackled high — with some accusing him of ducking.
But his physicality, determination, commitment and ability to drive his team to victory was never questioned over the years.
He won virtually every honour there was to win in the AFL, including being six-time All-Australian, three-time Geelong best and fairest, premiership captain and Australia's International Rules captain (in 2014).
The only one he missed out on was the Brownlow Medal where his best result was runner-up in 2013.
There had been more than a hint that the announcement was coming, following the outpouring of emotion from Selwood during and after the grand final victory.
With the game well won in the final quarter, the skipper got emotional and put his hands over his face when he kicked a great goal, to be surrounded by his teammates. His family shed tears, too, in the stands.
"It's probably the best goal I've ever kicked," Selwood told the press conference. "I've had a good day."
Then, when the siren went, there were more tears from Selwood along with long-time teammate Tom Hawkins as the achievement and the occasion registered.
Sportspeople who retire after a big game often leave their boots in the middle of the court, pitch or stadium.
The Cats skipper handed his pair of boots to the young Auskicker of the year on the podium.
All that was left was for Selwood to confirm his decision, in a final press conference at the Geelong home ground, Kardinia Park.
