Geelong premiership captain Joel Selwood is set to return to Kardinia Park in a new role.
After a 16-season playing career, Selwood will now move into a part-time off-field role that will see him work across multiple departments as an ambassador and connector of club stakeholders.
Geelong CEO Steve Hocking is glad that the 34-year-old won’t be lost to the club.
“Whilst Joel won’t be pulling on the boots in 2023, he won’t be lost to the Club and we’re thrilled to continue to have the calibre of Joel within our Team of All,” Hocking said via statement.
“The next 12 months presents a unique and rich opportunity for Joel to learn the craft of off-field football administration, as he embraces new dawns and new opportunities post playing.
“We know Joel is an impressive leader and we believe he can continue to play an important role with the Club in this new capacity.”
Selwood himself is thrilled to continue working for the club he spent so much time at as a player.
“There are so many special people that were a part of my time at Geelong that have sat outside of the day-to-day football program, and I am excited to be able spend more time with them, with our partners, stakeholders and members in this new role,” Selwood said via a statement.
“I pinched myself every day that I got to do what I loved at Geelong, and I feel incredibly fortunate that I get to continue my journey with, and learn more from the Cats, in turn helping them continue to unlock excellence.”
Selwood is currently working for NRL club Melbourne Storm in a part-time leadership role.
The premiership skipper will do a lap of honour before Geelong’s Round 1 clash against Collingwood at the MCG on March 17 where he’ll walk with the premiership flag.