THERE'S been plenty of accolades and honours for former Bendigo Pioneers star Joel Selwood across a stellar 13-year career in the AFL.
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The 30-year-old notched another on Monday, when he became an AFL life member.
Selwood became the 41st person associated with the Cats to be awarded league life membership after representing the Cats in a 23-point win over fierce rivals Hawthorn.
The clash at the MCG was officially his 300th game, comprising 20 pre-season matches, one State of Origin game, two International matches and 277 premiership games.
The Cats skipper has enjoyed a remarkable career since joining the club as the sixth pick in the 2006 AFL national draft.
His resume includes three premierships (2007, '09 and '11), six All-Australian selections (2009, '10, '13, '14, '16 and '17), four-times the AFL Players' Association's most courageous player award winner, and three Carji Geeves Medal wins as the Cats' best and fairest.
The son of Bryce and Maree Selwood, and brother of fellow AFL stars Adam, Troy and Scott, Selwood joined the Pioneers after playing his junior football with St Therese's and Kennington-Sandhurst.
Pioneers talent identification manager Steve Sharpe was quick to offer his congratulations to the Geelong champion from his former club.
"Joel has just been a great ambassador for the sport and such a great role model for any young kid in how you conduct and present yourself, particularly in the way he prepares himself," he said.
"There wouldn't be any greater role model for any young athlete, even beyond football.
"He's a real star and a great person, which is what people talk about when they speak about character.
"A lot of credit goes to his family ... it's a great family and a great reflection on the way Maree and Bryce have brought their kids up. That's something that has stood rock solid with all the boys."
Selwood finished with a team-high 32 possessions and five tackles as the Cats staved off a late charge from the Hawks.
Only former St Kilda and North Melbourne midfielder Nick Dal Santo has played more AFL games (322) than Selwood after being drafted from the Pioneers.
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