The West Coast Eagles today opted against matching the offer that Geelong had made to restricted free agent Scott Selwood, paving the way for his change of club.
The popular West Coast vice-captain last week nominated Geelong as his club of choice, where he would play with his brother, Cats captain Joel Selwood. He was farewelled at the Club Champion Awards last Friday night in anticipation of the Eagles not standing in his way.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I have made this decision but the pull to be closer to family was just too strong,” Selwood said. “I have loved every minute of my time with West Coast, the club has been very good to me and I have made some life-long friends at the club.
“I just feel like this is the right time for me to head home. The last 18 months have been tough with the injury and I feel like it’s time to make a fresh start.
“I have really enjoyed the support I have received from the West Coast fans in my time at the club. They have always been behind me and hope they understand the reason for my decision.”
Selwood, 25, has played 135 games for West Coast and was Club Champion in 2012. His last two years have been cruelled by an ankle injury which restricted him to just 25 games.
Craig Vozzo, General Manager – Football said the club understood Selwood’s reason for returning to his home State.
“Obviously we would have preferred that Scott had continued with the club, but we do understand his reasons,” Vozzo said. “We rate Scott very highly, both as a player and an individual.
“He is a strong leader and that is why he has been a vice-captain and part of our leadership group for the last few years. He also won the Club Champion Award in 2012 so he is a quality player.
“We wish Scott every success as he moves into the next phase of his career.”
The club will now wait for the AFL to make a ruling on the compensation the club receives for losing Selwood as a restricted free agent.
