FORMER Bendigo Pioneers star Scott Selwood has signalled his intention to be an Eagle for life after signing a three-year deal with West Coast yesterday.
Selwood, 22, established himself as one of the competition’s best shutdown players last season, but has taken his game to even greater heights in 2012 as a more attacking midfielder.
The 186cm tackling machine has booted four goals and averaged more than 30 possessions a game in his three outings this year.
Selwood, who has notched 71 games for the Eagles since being snared with pick No.22 in the 2007 national draft, said his desire to help the club achieve sustained success played a key role in his decision to re-sign.
“I have been fortunate enough to see my brothers play in premierships and I am hungry to achieve the same,” said Selwood, who is the younger brother of West Coast’s Adam and Geelong captain Joel.
“I believe this group can do that and I’d be proud to be involved in it.”
Selwood’s commitment comes just weeks after emerging star Andrew Gaff re-signed with the Eagles for a further two years.
Meanwhile, Eagles midfielder Chris Masten admits the club’s on-ball brigade must do more to protect star ball-winner Daniel Kerr from his on-field batterings. Kerr has copped several heavy knocks in the opening three rounds – some off the ball – in a slow start to the season for the 28-year-old.
Although Kerr managed to rack up 26 possessions and a goal against Melbourne in round two, he tallied just seven disposals in round one and 13 touches in last week’s big win over Greater Western Sydney.
“Right now, he’s copping it a little bit, getting smashed off the ball,” Masten said.
“A lot of the boys do see him get smashed and we’ve got to definitely look after him better.”
The Eagles are confident skipper Darren Glass (groin) will return for Saturday night’s clash with Hawthorn in Perth, but Matt Rosa and Matt Priddis remain in doubt with quad injuries.
Kerr is expected to play.
