Geelong legend Joel Selwood isn’t wasting any time since retiring after winning the 2023 premiership as he embarks on a new role with the Melbourne Storm.
Having signed on as a leadership coach with the NRL powerhouse, Selwood hopes to pass on the lessons he learned as the record holder for most AFL games captained to the rival code.
Selwood says the profile of the Storm’s playing list appealed to him as he looks to help nurture the club’s emerging leaders
“I’ve obviously joined the Melbourne Storm down here,” Selwood told SEN 1170 Mornings.
“It’s an organisation I’ve looked upon and watched on in envy with the work they’ve done in the 25-year history they’ve had.
“I’m going to work with their leaders that are coming through, they’ve obviously lost a handful of players to the Dolphins and now it’s time for this next group of leaders to come through.
“It was pretty appealing to me with the ages of these guys and the position that they were in as a club to join them and see how we go.”
Renowned for their stability and strong leadership, Selwood says he’s keen to work with the likes of coach Craig Bellamy and football boss Frank Ponissi to take the side to the “next level” in 2023.
“It’s a very stable club and they’ve been fortunate with those people (Bellamy, Smith and Ponissi),” Selwood said.
“But now it’s over to the boys come game day to take their game to the next level.
“They didn’t finish where they wanted to last year with the exit in finals so they just want to be a stronger club and take those steps forward.”
While the Storm have e bevy of stars, no doubt the player that shines brightest is five-eighth Cameron Munster.
Having watched him from afar playing for his club, state and country, Selwood is looking forward to working with the playmaker and his teammates.
“He is, he’s very enjoyable to be around,” Selwood said.
“I’ve watched Munny for a long time, he’s got this killer instinct that you’d love to play with.
“I’m still getting to know the boys and obviously culturally they’re a really strong club and I’m looking forward to jumping in on that.”
Overall, Selwood says he’s hoping to deliver simple messages to the club’s players in hopes that they can execute on game day.
“At the end of the day, you’ve got to do the simple things really well and make them good habits too,” Selwood said.
“If you can do that, more than likely there’s going to be more mistakes made in those hectic environments.
“It’s about making less mistakes than the other side.”
The Storm open their 2023 season with a Round 1 clash on March 2 against against the Eels at CommBank Stadium.
Photo: https://www.melbournestorm.com.au.