philhawk
4 Oct 2006, 10:52
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,20522146%255E19742,00.html
New link in Selwood chain
04 October 2006 Herald-Sun
David Hastie
THE Selwood name is fast rising to AFL prominence.
Big expectations: Joel Selwood at Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval yesterday. Picture: Michael Klein
And get ready to hear a lot more of it next season.
Joel Selwood, 18, the younger brother of twins Troy (Brisbane Lions) and premiership-winning defender Adam (West Coast), has recruiters excited.
Selwood starred at last year's national under-18 carnival, winning All-Australian selection, despite being too young for the draft.
He had knee surgery soon after and needed more season-ending surgery after just three games with TAC Cup side Bendigo Pioneers this season.
Yet there is no questioning his on-field ability and leadership qualities.
He could still be a top-five selection in this year's national draft on November 25, despite the wealth of talent on offer.
The 184cm and 80kg midfielder, who will attend this week's AFL national draft camp at Canberra's AIS, said he was hungry to play at the elite level.
"It's been a long year on the sidelines but I'm up and running and ready to get into footy again," Selwood said from his hometown, Bendigo, yesterday.
"I just want to show them I am ready to go.
"I had a bit of time off this year from footy and, hopefully, it will help me in the long run."
The pressure associated with carrying the Selwood name is a bit of a burden.
"As the name starts to grow, the boys (Adam and Troy) are starting to get a few more games and starting to get out there," he said. "It is harder because people start to recognise you, and recognise the family. You have to take it in your stride.
"My younger brother (Scott) and me are just trying to do what the older two do and play AFL football.
"It's been good this year just to lay low. I would have had pressure on me if I was out there."
Yet Joel said the weight of expectation inspired him more than hindered him.
"Mum and dad have tried to relax us, just by saying, 'look, you are your own person'," Selwood said.
"They let us do what we do and Troy and Adam don't put any pressure on you and tell you how to play.
"They give you advice when it's needed but you just go out and do your own thing, as every 17 or 18-year-old does.
"They just go out and play footy for fun with their mates."
Brisbane Lions recruiting staff would be interested to hear he would love to play with either Troy or Adam next year.
Whether the Lions use their first pick (No. 4 overall) to secure Selwood makes for an entertaining sub-plot come draft day on November 25.
"That would be a dream if it fell that way," he said.
"The draft is a big lottery and you get your name thrown in and pulled out.
"But if the chance did come across I'd love it."
Selwood's coach at the Pioneers, Mark Ellis, said hehad no doubt his star onballer was back to full fitness going into this week's draft camp.
"There's been some pressure on him, there's no doubt about that," Ellis said.
"But he's a very mature young man and he's handled it very well.
"As far as I'm concerned, he goes to the camp equal with everyone else.
"We've continued to train a group of boys since the season finished just with fitness.
"His organisational skills and his ability to communicate with other players is terrific.
"That alone stands him in pretty good stead.
"He's got terrific character.
"It's more than just his footy ability."
Interesting to see he is at full fitness. If he has a big draft camp, could there be the chance he makes Top 5?
New link in Selwood chain
04 October 2006 Herald-Sun
David Hastie
THE Selwood name is fast rising to AFL prominence.
Big expectations: Joel Selwood at Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval yesterday. Picture: Michael Klein
And get ready to hear a lot more of it next season.
Joel Selwood, 18, the younger brother of twins Troy (Brisbane Lions) and premiership-winning defender Adam (West Coast), has recruiters excited.
Selwood starred at last year's national under-18 carnival, winning All-Australian selection, despite being too young for the draft.
He had knee surgery soon after and needed more season-ending surgery after just three games with TAC Cup side Bendigo Pioneers this season.
Yet there is no questioning his on-field ability and leadership qualities.
He could still be a top-five selection in this year's national draft on November 25, despite the wealth of talent on offer.
The 184cm and 80kg midfielder, who will attend this week's AFL national draft camp at Canberra's AIS, said he was hungry to play at the elite level.
"It's been a long year on the sidelines but I'm up and running and ready to get into footy again," Selwood said from his hometown, Bendigo, yesterday.
"I just want to show them I am ready to go.
"I had a bit of time off this year from footy and, hopefully, it will help me in the long run."
The pressure associated with carrying the Selwood name is a bit of a burden.
"As the name starts to grow, the boys (Adam and Troy) are starting to get a few more games and starting to get out there," he said. "It is harder because people start to recognise you, and recognise the family. You have to take it in your stride.
"My younger brother (Scott) and me are just trying to do what the older two do and play AFL football.
"It's been good this year just to lay low. I would have had pressure on me if I was out there."
Yet Joel said the weight of expectation inspired him more than hindered him.
"Mum and dad have tried to relax us, just by saying, 'look, you are your own person'," Selwood said.
"They let us do what we do and Troy and Adam don't put any pressure on you and tell you how to play.
"They give you advice when it's needed but you just go out and do your own thing, as every 17 or 18-year-old does.
"They just go out and play footy for fun with their mates."
Brisbane Lions recruiting staff would be interested to hear he would love to play with either Troy or Adam next year.
Whether the Lions use their first pick (No. 4 overall) to secure Selwood makes for an entertaining sub-plot come draft day on November 25.
"That would be a dream if it fell that way," he said.
"The draft is a big lottery and you get your name thrown in and pulled out.
"But if the chance did come across I'd love it."
Selwood's coach at the Pioneers, Mark Ellis, said hehad no doubt his star onballer was back to full fitness going into this week's draft camp.
"There's been some pressure on him, there's no doubt about that," Ellis said.
"But he's a very mature young man and he's handled it very well.
"As far as I'm concerned, he goes to the camp equal with everyone else.
"We've continued to train a group of boys since the season finished just with fitness.
"His organisational skills and his ability to communicate with other players is terrific.
"That alone stands him in pretty good stead.
"He's got terrific character.
"It's more than just his footy ability."
Interesting to see he is at full fitness. If he has a big draft camp, could there be the chance he makes Top 5?