JOEL HITS BACK
Club medicos know more about my head than anyone
GEELONG captain Joel Selwood has slammed the commentary about his most recent concussion, telling those giving an opinion on his health to get the real facts before talking.
Selwood was knocked out in the opening minute in Round 14 against Fremantle and then missed the following match against GWS Giants.
A clearly frustrated Selwood said yesterday that the club’s medical staff “understand more than anyone” when it comes to ruling on a player’s fitness, especially those suffering from a head injury.
“I think what we have got to remember in it all is that there will be opinions from the outside that don’t have any information on what goes on throughout the week,” Selwood said.
“That’s the one, as a player, you get really annoyed at because I am with the doctor each day, every single minute of the day.
“People have got to remember that. You are actually in professional hands that are dealing with the matter.
“We have got to let the doctors do their jobs. They are professionals. They are not going to put us out there if it’s unhealthy for the individuals.
“Coaches are well equipped to know their role. They are not going to pick a side with someone in it that’s not healthy.
“I’m glad I got that out (and off my chest).”
Selwood was involved in a head clash with Docker Hayden Ballantyne, spending time laying motionless on Simonds Stadium before eventually running down the race.
“At the time (I) wasn’t with it. I got with it when I was walking off and then the runoff was basically to let Mum and the partner know that I was OK,” Selwood said.
“I knew that I wasn’t coming back for the day.”
The tough midfielder revealed he was preparing to play against the Giants, but a decision was made late to pull out from the match.
“It was pretty simple, the week itself,” Selwood said.
“I came back after quartertime and sat on the bench for the game. To be honest, (I) felt well (during) the game, spoke to the boys when they come to the bench.
“They said I wasn’t speaking too much out of school.
“Then from there, come in the next day, had a concussion test, the one that (you do) if you were to go back on the ground . . . as we do just to see where the baseline is.
“Then throughout the week, even after the hit, did not have one headache. I actually went to Sydney to play, but felt the tiniest bit off when we got there. That was enough to call it with the doctor.”
Selwood then got through his return against Brisbane on Saturday night without any issues, finishing with 24 disposals.
“I felt good out there, got a little knock when I got caught holding the ball and probably slowed me up a little bit,” he said.