Retired Geelong champion Joel Selwood is in for a busy 2023 despite calling time on his AFL career at the conclusion of last season, with the Cats premiership captain returning to Kardinia Park in an off-field, part-time role while also balancing several other duties for the year ahead.
Selwood, who decided to hang up the boots shortly after Geelong's premiership triumph over Sydney, recently swapped codes to help NRL club the Melbourne Storm in a leadership role, working under legendary rugby league coach Craig Bellamy with the Victorian powerhouse.
The 34-year-old's impact has already been seen at the Storm as their own 2023 campaign got underway last week, but Selwood's post-career plans are set to spread across more sports this year.
On Wednesday Geelong confirmed that Selwood would take on a multifaceted position in his return to the Cattery, working as an ambassador and connector of key Club stakeholders and the Geelong Football Club Foundation, while also assisting the Cats' membership team.
โThere 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.
โI 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.โ
Not only is Selwood expected to return to Geelong through a commercial role, but he may also link up with the Australian cricket team in a role similar to one he's enjoyed with the Storm.
Set to travel to England later this year while Australia also head to the UK for the upcoming Ashes series, Selwood has revealed he has been in talks with Cricket Australia and coach Andrew McDonald.
โWe're gonna head overseas halfway through the year,โ Selwood told 7 News this week. โIt'll be when the guys are playing in the Ashes.
โAndrew McDonald's a local Geelong boy and been in contact for a period of time.
โThey're probably in a similar position to where the Cats are.
โThey've got a lot of guys who are coming towards the end of their career and maybe finding their way out the next couple of years.โ
A potential role with Cricket Australia will add to his duties with the Storm and Geelong, leading to a busy year ahead for the Bendigo native.
If the trio of roles weren't enough for the Cats great, Selwood and his partner Brit recently welcomed the birth of their first child, Joey.
The Geelong all-time games record holder will be at the MCG when Geelong's begin their first campaign without Selwood on their list since 2006, with the four-time premiership player to lead a march to the ground before walking a lap of honour.
Geelong will face Collingwood on Friday, March 17 to begin their 2023 campaign, led by new captain Patrick Dangerfield.
