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Geelong coach Chris Scott is adamant. Joel Selwood will not be affected by recent criticism of his reputation when star captain Brisbane in an AFl clash Thursday night at the Gabba.
Selwood was fined a combined $ 3,000 by the AFL’s game reviewer for two separate incidents in last week’s siren victory over the Western Bulldogs.
The 33-year-old accepted a $ 1,000 penalty for pushing his fist into Bailey Dale’s head as the Bulldogs defenseman was pinned down in a tackle.
Selwood was also fined $ 2,000 for tripping over Taylor Duryea’s leg when the former Hawks player fell to the ground after taking a mark.
Criticism of Selwood’s actions has escalated and Collingwood legend Tony Shaw has even described them as two of the worst things a player can do on a soccer field.
Shaw said Selwood could have broken Duryea’s leg if contact was made in a slightly different location.
Dual North Melbourne Premiership star David King has also been scathing about Selwood’s actions.
Scott admitted Selwood made a mistake in the first incident involving Dale.
But he was angry at how the second incident – when Selwood tripped over Duryea’s leg – had been portrayed.
“Joel is an icon of the game. His reputation is important to him and it is important to us,” said Scott.
“Humans in general, but soccer players, even the good ones – captains, legends of the game – make mistakes, and they should put their hands up for that, which Joel did, especially for one of those incidents. .
“But the second one where he accidentally stood on someone was a real mistake.
“And I think it’s actually incumbent on people in the soccer industry to treat Joel Selwood with a level of respect where when he says something, they believe him.”
Scott said the comment did not affect Selwood before the game against the Lions.
“He’s handling him like the ultimate pro so it won’t affect him,” Scott said.
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“But I think the bigger long term problem, if people say with a straight face that it tarnishes his reputation, I think it reflects more on them than on him.”
The Cats received a heavy blow when star midfielder Mitch Duncan was sent off for an extended period with a right knee injury.
Last week’s medical non-commissioned officer Shaun Higgins could enter the 22 to fill the void, but Scott said no one can really replace Duncan.
“I’ve always believed that you couldn’t replace your top players identically, and Mitch is definitely in that category,” said Scott.
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