West Coast draftee Josh Lindsay has opened up about the devastation of losing his mentor Troy Selwood, saying the former Brisbane tagger played a vital role in helping him get on an AFL list.<\/p>\n
Lindsay, a smooth-moving left-footer, was selected by the Eagles with pick No.19 at last week’s national draft.<\/p>\n
The 18-year-old defender was drafted out of the Geelong Falcons after completing his schooling at Geelong Grammar, where Selwood held the role of football and sports performance mentor.<\/p>\n
Selwood died by suicide at the age of 40 on February 4 this year, and the family was dealt more tragedy when his twin brother Adam died on May 17.<\/p>\n
If you or anyone you know needs help:<\/p>\n
Lindsay praised Selwood’s contribution to his football journey, saying it is something he will forever remember.<\/p>\n
“I joined Geelong Grammar in year 10, and he got me over there, and he’s been unreal for me,” Lindsay said.<\/p>\n
“Ever since year 10, he sort of helped me relax a bit and really enjoy my footy.<\/p>\n
“He always had the belief that I’m good enough. He was a recruiter as well, and I used to chat to him nearly every day.<\/p>\n
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Troy Selwood (pictured with the ball) played in the AFL for Brisbane, and was a mentor at Geelong Grammar School. (AAP: Dean Lewins)<\/p>\n
“He was really good for me, and really helped me to get into this position today.<\/p>\n
“To see him pass away at the start of the year was a huge shock.<\/p>\n
“I was quite devastated for a fair few weeks. I just want to continue carrying on his legacy.<\/p>\n
“He’s helped me in a lot of ways, and to this day I still carry that on.”<\/p>\n
Lindsay was a North Melbourne supporter growing up, with Kangaroos great Brent Harvey his ultimate hero.<\/p>\n
More recently, Lindsay has been admiring fellow left-footers Scott Pendlebury, Hayden Young and Errol Gulden.<\/p>\n