The repute of Geelong captain Joel Selwood has been put underneath a microscope after two incidents in final week’s win over the Western Bulldogs.
Geelong coach Chris Scott is adamant Joel Selwood received’t be affected by the current criticism of his repute when the star captain Brisbane in a Thursday night time AFL showdown on the Gabba.
Selwood was fined a mixed $3000 by the AFL’s match overview officer for two separate incidents in final week’s after-the-siren win over the Western Bulldogs.
The 33-year-old accepted a $1000 sanction for pushing his fist into Bailey Dale’s head because the Bulldogs defender was pinned on the bottom in a sort out.
Selwood additionally copped a $2000 wonderful for stumbling over the leg of Taylor Duryea when the previous Hawks participant had fallen to the bottom after taking a mark.
Criticism of Selwood’s actions got here thick and quick with Collingwood legend Tony Shaw even describing them as two of the worst issues a participant can do on a soccer discipline.
Shaw mentioned Selwood might have damaged Duryea’s leg if the contact was made in a barely completely different spot.
Dual North Melbourne premiership star David King was additionally scathing of Selwood’s actions.
Scott conceded Selwood made a mistake within the first incident involving Dale.
But he was indignant at how the second incident – when Selwood stumbled over Duryea’s leg – had been portrayed.
“Joel is an icon of the game. His reputation is important to him and it’s important to us,” Scott mentioned.
“Humans normally, however footy gamers, even good ones – captains, legends of the sport – make errors, and they need to put their hand up for that, which is what Joel did, particularly for a type of incidents.
“But the second the place he by accident stood on somebody was a real mistake.
“And I think it’s actually incumbent on people in the footy industry to treat Joel Selwood with a level of respect whereby when he says something, they believe him.”
Scott mentioned the commentary hadn’t affected Selwood heading into the sport towards the Lions.
“He handles it like the ultimate pro, so it won’t have any bearing on him at all,” Scott mentioned.
“But I think the broader issue over the long term, if people are saying with a straight face that it tarnishes his reputation, I think that reflects more on them than it does on him.”
The Cats have been dealt an enormous blow when star midfielder Mitch Duncan was dominated out for an prolonged interval with a proper knee harm.
Last week’s medical sub Shaun Higgins might come into the 22 to fill the void, however Scott mentioned nobody might actually change Duncan.
“I’ve always been a believer that it’s impossible to replace your best players like for like, and Mitch is certainly in that category,” Scott mentioned.
© AAP
