Geelong’s Joel Selwood makes heartwarming gesture after Cats win AFL grand final over Sydney Swans

Geelong champion Joel Selwood achieved sporting nirvana at the MCG after winning his fourth AFL premiere on Saturday — and his kind-hearted gesture on stage made the inspiring captain a living legend in the eyes of many football fans.

The veteran midfielder, 34, who may be retiring after the Cats demolition job on the Swans, handed over his match boots to an excited ‘Archie’ – a little AFL Auskicker.

In emotional scenes, Selwood told the delighted youngster, “I told you I was coming to you” — with Archie’s big grin telling the story.

After receiving his medallion, the Cats skipper passed on his white boots, making little Archie the memory of his life as the pair looked through the camera and posed together for a photo.

When Selwood was called on stage, his proud mother Maree beamed with pride, as did his wife Brit.

Both ladies were seen in the stands with tears of joy – and it comes after the Selwoods recently announced they are expecting their first child.

The couple shared the news on their respective Instagram pages after years of fertility struggles.

“Our dreams have come true,” Brit wrote earlier this month.

“Joel and I are grateful to be able to tell you that a little one is coming into the world. We could not make this announcement without acknowledging those who struggle with infertility or loss.

“I know how much my heart would break every time I saw a pregnancy post and my heart really goes out to you if you feel this way right now. The past few years have changed me forever.

“For anyone who has lost hope at this point, I’ve been there and I’m thinking of you, and I hope one day you get your miracle soon.”

Selwood, who also won flags with the Cats in 2007, 2009 and 2011, shared the same photo and praised his “superwoman” wife.

Joel Selwood and his Geelong teammates celebrate after winning the 2022 AFL premiere

Selwood has now won four flags with the Cats – as speculation continues to mount, he will be retiring

‘Our dreams have come true. Brit and I are grateful to be able to tell you that a little one is coming into the world,” he wrote.

“We look forward to being ‘Mom and Dad’ and changing the world for us in the near future.

“What I’ve discovered through this process is that women are amazing and my wife is a super woman. In a journey that has not been easy, we have found a way, through great support and Brit who remains positive.

“To couples who are trying, have tried or for an unfair reason can’t have a baby, we see you and send love and positive energy your way.

Little Levi Ablett – who won’t talk due to a mysterious degenerative illness – beamed with joy when Joel Selwood took him to MCG for the AFL decider

Selwood then gave Levi back to his father, retired double Brownlow medalist and Geelong great Gary Ablett

“We can’t wait to meet you, baby Selwood, you will be much loved.”

Selwood also showed his class pre-game, rocking Levi Ablett – the son of former teammate Gary Ablett Jr – at the MCG.

Levi Ablett, 3, suffers from a mysterious degenerative disease that seriously affects his airways – and has never spoken a word.

He’s also vulnerable to aspiration, which can allow food, drink, or stomach contents to get into his lungs.

The brave boy is constantly being treated at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.