Wayne Carey: Selwood and Dangerfield - a perfect synergy at Geelong

We've heard a lot about Patrick Dangerfield since his arrival at Geelong in the off-season. Probably because of that, we've heard a lot less about Cats captain Joel Selwood.

Looking at the situation from afar, I imagined that Selwood, like all proud champions, might have been keen to assert his authority and make it clear who was "the man" at Simonds Stadium.  

Footballers are competitive beasts. If you've been the top dog for a while, and someone comes into your domain and starts getting all the attention, it's only natural that you bristle a little bit – even if only on the inside.

Cats Patrick Dangerfield (left) and Joel Selwood celebrate their win. Photo: AFL Media/Getty Images

Selwood and Dangerfield are teammates. They are playing for a common cause and their No.1 priority would be winning games for Geelong. I get all that. But there's human nature at play here as well. Among the best of the best in any sport, there is a certain selfishness, arrogance and ego – that's just the way it is. 

On radio last weekend, Dangerfield was interviewed after the Cats' big win over Gold Coast. He was asked who called the shots in the centre square at Geelong, who did all the organising with the set-ups? He said without hesitation: "Joel calls the shots." 

It was then thrown at him: "Surely you've been around long enough to have a say." But again Paddy gave the same answer. His respect for Selwood's leadership was obvious.

My early perception of their relationship was made as an outsider. But having researched this subject a little more and spoken to Geelong people, it's clear I've made some wrong assumptions about the dynamics between these two.  

In fact, Joel was as persistent as anyone in ensuring the club chased the champion Crow. It was Joel who kept banging down the door in the Geelong offices, telling the football department that they had to pursue this guy.

Selwood's only thought was how to make Geelong a better club. It didn't matter that Dangerfield might steal some of his limelight. That's the mark of a great captain and leader.

After Geelong got their man and Dangerfield arrived at the club late last year, Selwood was struck down with a plantar fasciitis problem in his right foot which restricted him to light duties at training. The captain was forced to watch from the sidelines as Dangerfield burned up the track. 

Selwood, being so competitive and having been as consistent as any footballer I can remember, was annoyed that he couldn't get out there. He would have been itching to prove himself. Not in a nasty, competitive way. More in an I-want-to-show-you-what-I'm-capable-of way. 

It's strange because you wouldn't imagine Joel had anything to prove to anyone. He's been there and done it all: three best-and-fairests, a four-time All-Australian (twice as captain), a three-time premiership player and so on.  

Yet, there he was, like a young kid trying to impress his bigger brother. 

But that is the thing about footballers, and elite sportsmen and women generally: they crave respect from their peers, especially the peers they most admire. No different to what Kobe Bryant wanted from Shaquille O'Neal, or Scottie Pippen from Michael Jordan.

And as the season has progressed, Selwood's form has got better and better as he's reached full fitness. He and Dangerfield seem to be driving each other on with their super-competitiveness.        

I reckon other players in the Cats' midfield rotation, such as Mitch Duncan, Josh Caddy, Mark Blicavs and Steve Motlop, would love what they're seeing. Not only does it make their job easier, it must drive them to be better players, too.

In fact, Motlop was one who returned from his summer break a little underdone - the skinfold numbers were up where they shouldn't have been. 

Runner-up in Geelong's best-and-fairest award last year, Motlop was a little embarrassed at how he'd let himself go, especially when he saw how Dangerfield was burning up the track. He has worked super hard since then to get his fitness up. 

I rate Selwood and Dangerfield as the best 1-2 on-ball combination in the league right now, just ahead of Dan Hannebery and Luke Parker at Sydney. 

In the AFL Coaches' Association award, Dangerfield is leading after six rounds with 35 votes; Selwood is not far behind in sixth place on 29 votes.

They are a part of the reason why the Cats sit in second place on the ladder, and have a genuine chance at another premiership in this most open of AFL seasons.