UPDATE: In a remarkable week, Michael Selsby of Yarraville Seddon celebrated the birth of his baby boy on September 28, 2023, and followed it up with a stunning victory at the Barry Priest Medal ceremony just two days later. Selsby was crowned the best player in the Western Football League Division 1 competition, marking a transformative moment in his career.
Competing fiercely against Cooper Pepi from Caroline Springs and Josh Pickess from Hoppers Crossing, Selsby secured the Priest Medal with an impressive total of 30 votes, edging out Pepi by just one vote, with Pickess trailing by two. This achievement is more than just a personal milestone; it symbolizes a significant year for the Eagles as a club.
In a heartfelt video message, Selsby expressed his gratitude, stating, “What an honour and what an enjoyable year it was. I would like to thank my partner for supporting me throughout the year. It’s a really exciting time at the Eagles with a young crew, and I look forward to what’s ahead.” His statement resonates deeply, highlighting the emotional journey behind his achievements.
Additionally, Selsby shared the club’s collective pride, noting the women’s program making the grand final and the men’s program reaching the preliminary finals. “We’re going to do some damage in the league moving forward,” he added, reflecting optimism for future seasons.
This year marked Selsby’s first full-time season with the Eagles, after juggling commitments with Victorian Football League lists in the past. His performance not only earned him the Priest Medal but also complements the Most Valuable Player award he received in 2023.
Eagles’ coach Brad Juiler accepted the award on behalf of Selsby, commenting, “He’s had a great year. His first full year back with us since his VFL stuff, and he just gets it done week in, week out.”
In other notable awards from the division, Pickess took home the Most Valuable Player award, recognized by coaches, while West Barker was honored as Rookie of the Year. Additionally, Chris Gilham of Werribee Districts was named Overall Male Coach of the Year, and Daniel Nielson received the Goal Kicking Award.
As the excitement builds around the Eagles’ future, fans and supporters are eager to see what lies ahead for Selsby and his teammates. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Selsby continues to make waves both on and off the field.
