Joel Selwood’s emotional act that hints at retirement decision in perfect swansong after AFL premiership

Geelong’s most recent AFL premiership captain, before 2022, went out on the ultimate high.

Cameron Ling’s last kick in football was a left foot snap around the body to seal the Cats’ third premiership in five years back in 2011.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Joel Selwood’s tearful interview after the game.

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He bowed out as the premiership skipper in the perfect goodbye to football.

Now, Joel Selwood may follow in his predecessor’s footsteps after his side’s 81-point thumping of Sydney on Saturday.

The 34-year-old is yet to confirm his intentions for next year, but there was a massive hint dropped during the final stages of the win which might suggest what will happen.

Selwood kicked a brilliant goal with a right foot banana from 45 metres out and was mobbed by teammates from everywhere.

The skipper was visibly emotional after the goal, and players embraced him for an extended time, clearly making a point of savouring the moment, while Selwood’s family – including his pregnant wife Britt – were all in tears in the stands.

“I won’t make that emotional decision just yet. Footy’s just so fun,” Selwood told 7NEWS Melbourne’s Mitch Cleary of his retirement plans.

Joel Selwood couldn’t control his emotions after the game. Credit: Channel 7

Selwood had another tearful moment after the game when his partner-in-crime and best mate Tom Hawkins was in tears during their first premiership embrace.

Hawkins wouldn’t be drawn on revealing what he may have known about his mate’s future but shared what he said to his captain.

“I told him he’s a premiership captain,” Hawkins told Channel 7.

“In football, it’s such a wonderful sport, but you rarely get opportunities like that. When the curtain closes tonight and the lights go off, this will be our 16th year together.

“We’ve done a lot of things and achieved some wonderful things, but to be able to do it with him after the year he’s had … it’s so special.”

Selwood’s goal prompted immediate questions surrounding his future in the Channel 7 commentary box.

“What we were saying pre-game, ‘don’t be surprised if Geelong win, Joel Selwood retires’,” Brian Taylor said.

“This reaction does say to me, when I look at Joel Selwood, when I look at his wife, and his mum there as well, that this may be the end that we’re seeing of Joel Selwood.

“Certainly, the emotion says that.”

Players rushed to Joel Selwood when he kicked his goal. Credit: Channel 7

The Geelong skipper started on the bench then entered the game for Patrick Dangerfield, turning back the clock in a wonderful first-quarter performance.

Selwood racked up 12 touches, three score involvements and four intercepts to play a crucial role in helping the Cats to their 35-point lead at the first change.

He was surely in the mix for the Norm Smith medal at that early stage but slowed from there, as his teammates took centre stage.

Selwood continued to work his way through the game to finish with 26 disposals and a goal as the Cats prevailed 20.13 (133) to 8.4 (52).

“They’re so hard to win,” he told Channel 7.

“Every side says it, but we deserved one.”

Tom Hawkins and Joel Selwood embrace after the game. Credit: JAMES ROSS/AAPIMAGE

He was chippy when asked on Friday about the prospect of retiring after Saturday’s final siren.

“Another one trying to push me out the door. But that’s okay,” he said.

The explosion of emotion as Selwood kicked his first and only goal of the game in the dying minutes of Saturday’s decider indicated the Cats were prepared for the possibility of their skipper calling time.

The roar when he accepted his medal, giving away his boots to the AusKicker who presented it, and lifted the trophy was even louder.

But if it is the end, no one will be pushing Selwood out the door.

He will walk through it under his own steam.

– With AAP

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Gary Ablett’s son runs through banner with Geelong

Gary Ablett’s son runs through banner with Geelong

Gary Ablett’s son runs through banner with Geelong