Joel Selwood: All In

by Joel Selwood

In his long-awaited, official autobiography, All In, Joel Selwood reveals the grit, determination, and personal sacrifice behind his AFL success at the Geelong Football Club.  Joel Selwood's remarkable leadership is well-known across AFL football. Announcing his retirement at the end of the 2022 season, Selwood will not only go down in history as an icon of the game – a record breaker – but also as a selfless leader who supported his team through one of the club’s most successful periods in its history. After Selwood was made captain of the team in 2012, Geelong made the finals in all but one season, playing in seven preliminary finals and two Grand Finals – culminating in Geelong's tenth premiership in 2022. Easier said than done.  Now, for the first time, Selwood tells his story in his own words. All In relives the highs of Selwood’s proudest career moments, but also the lows battling the physical and personal challenges in his life, from his infamous knee injury and long recovery to the impact of COVID-19 on the AFL 2020 and 2021 seasons. For the first time, Selwood also describes the bravery, disappointment and celebration entering the IVF merry-go-round with his wife, Brit, to finally have their son, Joey Victor Selwood. A Geelong supporter who grew up to play his entire professional career with the Cats, Joel Selwood is a true AFL legend of our times.  

Genres: Nonfiction

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 2, 2023

Reviews

[Fraizer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously 5 stars

[Richard Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful storytelling from one of Geelong’s all time greats. I grew up through this era of football as a Cats fan - it was such a wonderful insight and trip down memory lane from Joel’s perspective breaking down each season up to the legendary 2022 Grand Final and him becoming a father.

[Sue Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into a champions career. He even found out by a text message he was not playing ...!!!

[Lauren Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in. Always all in

Joel Selwood has always been fierce but you could always tell he cared. Really enjoyed this insight of a great leader

[Vansh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go behind the scenes as Selwood’s mentality and persona is unearthed throughout his life. Seeing it mould and change as the seasons go past, it’s as if you’re part of the Geelong Football Club: player, manager or other staff. Learn more about the decorated champion, as he reveals his junior years in Bendigo, to the temperament problems he faced through his career whilst managing captaincy, and then to the end as a mature, spirited warrior. Legend.

[Jessica Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter is an absolute die hard Geelong cats fan even though we live in Adelaide. In his 349th game she got the opportunity to run out with Joel through the banner at Adelaide and he was amazing with her! As soon as I saw his book was released I knew I had to read it!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Joels life and football career, learning new things I didn't know. I love how he didn't shy away from the curveballs life has thrown him and Brit in particular their IVF journey and the struggles they had. I loved that Brit had input and you get to hear from her throughout that part of the book.

A true fearless leader, with the mindset to always strive to better and do things for those around him and the community.

A well written, honest, easy read. An absolute must for AFL or sporting fans!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this book I was struggling to find something that held my attention. I put down a number of books before I came across this one and it turned out to be just what I needed.
There was no embellishment just an easy read with some funny stories, hard disclosures and insight into Joel, as well as a team and game I’ve been following since the year Selwood started playing funnily enough (when my now hubby got me to watch the grand final with him).
I enjoyed finding out about the hard work that went into being a top AFL player and the behind the scenes glimpses into the AFL world in general. It was fun to think back on my memories of the games that Joel was discussing and even a training session that we watched in Geelong on a trip to Victoria.
Glad I picked this one up.

[Julie MacKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably about 3.5 stars. The writing style was great and I enjoyed reading the book because I am a Geelong fan and know the game a little. I think that people who don't know anything about Aussie rules football or don't care about it much wouldn't enjoy this book. I enjoyed reading about Joel's early life and and the IVF journey - the more general 'life' things. But of course an AFL player's life is their football experience and I was happy to hear about that too, but I did think that there was a little bit too much description of the seasons and matches.

[James Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was starting to get sceptical as it seemed the way the start of the book was written that Joel was just talking about himself about how good he is but as the book went on it seems that’s just how he talks and the book was a great read with Joel talking about his career and going in depth about certain topics throughout his career and the bravery and honesty talking about the IVF was a great insight and something that Joel and Brit didn’t have to elaborate on but I think will help a lot of people understand and get through it if they need it. Great book one I’ll keep

[Ortensia Bisinella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, very intense and wonderful insight in the football life of a champion of the Geelong Football Club. Found it to be very open and honest , Joel took us on his journey - the highs and lows of footy , including his heart wrenching and heartwarming IVF journey with his wife Brit. Powerful reading that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Geoffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Cats supporter from way back & an admirer of Joel & the teams he played with it was good to reminisce & relive his football journey
One of the greats of the game
I found myself wanting more details & more stories but he has opened up with his beliefs & (mostly) successes as well as as when times were not so good
I love getting inspiration from successful people

[James Lees · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good story! Was it an exciting book? Not really. I think the secret to Joel’s success is just that though. He is the ultimate professional. He cares solely about winning and no huge benders or nights out in Bali we’re ever as important. So when I say it wasn’t exciting, I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad way.

[Robyn Fincher · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a massive AFL and Geelong Cats supporter this was a must read. Thank you to Joel Selwood for his dedication to this wonderful game of ours and for opening his heart and allowing us to be a part of his life through this amazing book.

[Elkaza · Rating 3 out of 5]

An O.K book, for a gender I don't really read, but Selwood is a local boy. Learnt a lot more of his struggles, and why he was such a great player and person. Indeed, a hero for kids to look up too, which came from a great family supporting him.

[Karen Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring in-depth biography! 💙🤍

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 🐐

[Aaron Cordy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant insight into one of the most generous characters the AFL has ever produced. He's ability and continued desire to be a better person, not just a footballer, should never be underestimated.

[Alex Luscombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

My idol from start to finish. Enjoyed the read, getting into the psyche of the great man was a rich learning experience.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very decent basic sports autobiography and very enjoyable read being my favourite player, but the read was made a bit more special with the personal insight of Joel and his wife's IVF story.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read/listen about one of the greatest AFL players to ever have played football.

[Scott Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

🫡🫡🫡

[Michael Delahunty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great insight into the mindset of one of the greatest team leaders to ever play the game.
I recommend this book massively for any cats fans.

[Ben Mawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good easy read, fantastic if you're a Geelong fan outside that probably not much for you to take away though.

[Wendy Down · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very candid and interesting autobiography.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

You'd probably love this book if you're a Geelong Cats fan. As a non-Geelong fan, it was a somewhat interesting read, but not super life-changing.

[Wes Beattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must For Geelong Fans

A great insight into the Geelong team from 2007 until 2022
Joel Elwood gives an honest and forthright account of his remarkable career

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summed Up: All In On The AFL

- - -
In the space of about 6 months I have gone from absolutely loathing audiobooks to a memoir binge-listener. I’ve gone all in (pun totally intended) on the stories of Aussie legends.

After previously listening to the amazing story of Aussie surfer Owen Wright, I had Joel Selwood’s memoir next on my list as another incredible local athlete.

I’ve admired Joel’s footy career from afar (even though my heart belongs to another AFL team - sorry, Geelong fans!) This memoir dives deep into the game, packed with stats, data and play-by-plays of specific games. Joel made a lot of shout outs to the teammates and rivals who shaped his journey, sometimes more than he spoke about himself.

But what really got me? Joel’s humility. Instead of just talking about his own feats, he shines a light on the people around him - a true testament to the kind and caring guy I remember from our school days.

Joel does briefly speak about his personal journey to become a dad and I absolutely commend him and his wife Brit for the incredible IVF journey they went through, she is equally as inspiring as Joel in my eyes.

A great read and always a tough one to rate a memoir (you’ll see a lot of 4’s from me in this space). Would I have loved Joel to narrate this one? You bet. But even without his voice, this book is a winner. Whether you're a footy fanatic or just love a good underdog story, this one’s worth a listen (or read)!

[Paris Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big Joel fan so I really enjoyed reading this, especially about Joel and Brit's pregnancy journey.