West Coast draftee Josh Lindsay will carry on the legacy of mentor and former Brisbane player Troy Selwood, who tragically passed away in February this year.
Lindsay was a Geelong Grammar product, where Selwood was the head of football and sports performance mentor.
He spent time at the Geelong Falcons in the Coates Talent League, and was called up to the Australian representative side, leading to the Eagles' selection with Pick 19 last week.
Selwood's unfortunate passing shocked the AFL world, as well as Lindsay.
"I joined Geelong Grammar in year 10, and he got me over there, and he's been unreal for me," Lindsay said.
"Ever since year 10, he sort of helped me relax a bit and really enjoy my footy.
"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. He was really good for me, and really helped me to get into this position today.
"To see him pass away at the start of the year was a huge shock. I was quite devastated for a fair few weeks. I just want to continue carrying on his legacy.
"He's helped me in a lot of ways, and to this day I still carry that on."
Lindsay, being a North Melbourne supporter, always looked up to Brent Harvey, who currently holds the AFL games record.
Once Harvey retired, he quickly turned his attention to following Scott Pendlebury closely, given his professionalism and classy left foot, which the Geelong Falcons boy prides himself on. Ironically, Pendlebury is set to topple Harvey's games record holder.
Fellow left footers such as Errol Gulden and Hayden Young have also been stars of interest in Lindsay's eyes.
He will don the No.5 in 2026 for West Coast, taking over Jayden Hunt's locker following his retirement.
Lindsay joined the Western Australian club alongside draftees Willem Duursma (Pick 1), Cooper Duff-Tytler (Pick 4), Sam Allen (Pick 29), Tylah Williams (Pick 39) and Fred Rodriguez (Pick 1 - Rookie Draft).
The Eagles were also busy on the trade and free agency front, welcoming Brandon Starcevich and Tylar Young, while adding mature midfielders Deven Robertson, Finlay Macrae and Harry Schoenberg via the SSP.
