On Saturday, when he played his first game for East Perth in five years, he took that same professional attitude to the game against Peel and emerged with 34 possessions in a best-on-ground performance.
While the burning issue at the back of his mind was doubtless around winning back his position in the senior team, he focused on performing his role to the best of his ability for the Royals, probably determining that the rest would look after itself.
Selwood missed two games with a serious arm infection and the match committee opted to play him at East Perth. In a great lesson for younger players, the experienced utility player, a 168-game West Coast veteran, focused on that which he could control: his own form.
The selection panel will find it tough to leave him out for the clash with top-of-the-table Sydney at Petersons Stadium on Sunday given his dominance which was rounded off with a goal.
The 2006 premiership player was not the only man giving himself the best possible chance of a return to senior football, with a string of defenders leading the charge.
Lewis Stevenson continued to shine for Claremont in his most consistent season in WAFL ranks, while teammate Gerrick Weedon also built on his recent eye-catching form in the back half. Ashley Smith has shrugged of injury issues of the last six or seven weeks and looked in good fettle for Perth.
Stevenson had 17 possessions and seven marks, distributing the ball skilfully as the Tigers upset Swan Districts, while Weedon had 15 disposals, five marks and three tackles as he continues to settle into the defensive role.
Smith, after playing the first five games in the AFL, has had ankle and soft tissue problems, but looked close to his best with 26 touches, four marks and two tackles when Perth accounted for South Fremantle.
Midfielder Tom Swift, who has bounced between levels this season, was again influential for Claremont with 22 possessions while a couple of developing forwards also made their mark.
Jeremy McGovern, splitting his time between a key forward post and playing in the ruck, was again a solid contributor for Claremont, while Fraser McInnes was important in Perth’s victory over South, taking eight marks and kicking two goals from his 18 possessions.
Ryan Neates continues to work hard for Claremont and had 15 disposals as well as taking six marks.
Four West Coast players were involved in reserves action, with wingman Bradd Dalziell playing in the Peel reserves because East Fremantle had a bye. He showed he is ready to resume in senior football with 25 possessions, five marks and seven tackles.
Simon Tunbridge kicked four goals for Perth and took nine strong marks, while Anton Hamp worked hard for Claremont, taking seven marks and kicking two goals. Unfortunately wingman Michael Mascoulis strained a thigh when playing for the Perth reserves.
