AFL sensation, Geelong captain and top midfielder, Joel Selwood, chats to us about his love of footy, the Selwood family sporting gene, leading the mighty Cats, his health and fitness routine and shares his advice for up-and-coming footy stars.
Here’s my chat with Joel.
What advice do you have for young kids who dream of playing AFL?
In the junior years, the most important thing is just to enjoy getting out onto the field and playing with your team mates. If you develop a passion to play more professionally, it’s important to ensure you train hard and give it everything you’ve got.
Have you always played footy? Where did the love of the game stem from?
I picked up my first football when I was four years old and from then on I was hooked. My older twin brothers love the game too. Troy played for the Brisbane Lions and Adam was a West Coast Eagles player so I’ve been around footy all my life.
You come from a family of sporting stars – tell us a little about the gene pool in the Selwood clan?
My older brothers Troy and Adam played footy and my younger brother Scott is currently playing for the West Coast Eagles. My Dad was a marathon runner and actually completed 10 Melbourne Marathons and Mum played tennis and netball locally.
You wore splints on your legs as a little boy – can you share with us how that experience impacted you growing up?
It was only for 18 months so it wasn’t too bad. I needed splints to get range on the back of my achilles and calfs.
Tell us what it means to you to be the Captain of the Cats?
It’s something I cherish immensely and am very proud of. I’ve learnt from so many people at the Geelong Football Club, particularly what it takes to be a great leader. I lead my fellow team mates as best as I can.
How do you inspire your team? What are three things you tell them before every game?
The three things I tell them before every game is to believe in themselves, be brave and play as a team.
Where would we find you in your ‘off time’ away from the footy field?
I like to spend time with my partner Britt, friends and family. My older brother Troy is a former Brisbane Lions Player and he’s my only brother living in Geelong so we’ll hang out too and things can get pretty competitive! We’re actually competing against each other in the Weet-Bix GO Kart Challenge on 3 July to celebrate the launch of the Weet-Bix product which is something we are both very excited about.
How do you start everyday when you’re training? Tell us about your breakfast…
I’ve always been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s the fuel that’ll help you get on with your day and it doesn’t matter if you are going to training or playing a game of footy, going to school or work, everyone needs to have a wholesome breakfast!
What are your favourite brekkies when you’re on the run?
I love my Weet-Bix GO! They’re biscuits made of real Weet-Bix wrapped up in single serve packs so you can take them with you when you’re on the run. I also enjoy a good smoothie and fruit salad.
Your tip for which teams will be vying for the title this year in the AFL?
Geelong and West Coast. I would love to play in a Grand Finals against my brother Scott.
Your last purchase was… Coffee
Music you listen to… Top 40
Your fave place in the world is… Hamilton Island
Your sporting highlight was… Winning three premierships (07,09,11)
Your favourite thing to do on the weekend is… Win a footy game
Your personal style off the pitch is… Smart casual
Your sporting icon is… Michael Jordan
What would we find in your carry-on bag when you travel? Ipad, bottle of water, footy, Asics footy boots
Your favourite pre-workout snack is… Weet-Bix GO and bottle of water
Your fitness philosophy is… What you put in is what you get
Which AFL team do you barrack for? Tell us your thoughts below…
