It isn’t easy to pay tribute to Jimmy Bartel – not fittingly, at least.

“The ongoing success of the footy club is really important to him” – Selwood

As far as on-field achievements go, there are few players in the game’s history who are more decorated. Bartel’s trophy cabinet is adorned with a Brownlow Medal, a Norm Smith Medal, two All-Australian guernseys and – most significantly – three premiership medallions. Off the field, he has served the Players’ Association as a club Delegate for a decade, and remains a leader for the next generation of Cats at Geelong. On Thursday night, Bartel is set to reach another milestone – he will play his 250th game against Adelaide.

Ahead of Geelong’s season opener, we caught up with ‘PA Delegate and Geelong skipper Joel Selwood – who is far better prepared to pay tribute to Bartel than most. In the video below Selwood sheds some light on one of the game’s modest champions.

After growing up idolising the gifted Cat who wore number three, Selwood went on to become his teammate, roommate, friend and captain. They won three flags together, worked together as club Delegates at the Players’ Association, and have created a dynasty at Geelong.