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In-stadium commentary at Mt SmartDraft watch: WAFL prospect confirms Bulldogs meeting amid growing AFL interest
Jaiden Sciberras • May 22nd, 2025 4:37 pm
With the mid-season draft rapidly approaching, sides have commenced their interview processes to begin to nail down their top prospects from around the state leagues.
Of the nominees putting their names up for selection, 21-year-old Michael Sellwood has presented as one of the likely candidates to have his name read come Wednesday night.
The Peel Thunder defender has been in stellar form across the WAFL season thus far, averaging 24 disposals and three tackles per game.
Standing at 186cm, Sellwood appears AFL-ready, representing the WAFL as they claimed victory over the SANFL in last weekend’s State Game, gathering 19 disposals and landing himself amongst the best on ground.
Operating as an accumulator in the back half, Sellwood has featured in three straight WAFL Grand Finals, claiming victory in Peel’s 2024 triumph over East Perth, collecting 21 disposals, four marks and three goals at Optus Stadium.
With the potential to land an AFL list spot next week, Sellwood has admitted his optimism that a club will take the punt on the young star.
“I’ve had a bit of interest, a few interviews here and there,” he said on SEN WA’s The Run Home.
“I guess it’s one of those things that until your name is read out you never really know.
“I’m feeling optimistic. I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but that’s hard when your dream is to play AFL footy.
“We’re a week out and it’s hard not to think about it.”
It had been recently reported by The West Australian that Sellwood had gone through a medical examination with the Western Bulldogs, with the 21-year-old confirming the club’s interest as they look to plug a list spot to solidify their September charge.
“I did see that come out in the media, that was true,” he added.
“There’s been a few clubs, I don’t want to really name names at the moment. There have been a few clubs.
“I’ve been linked to West Coast, they have been interested. Freo, I haven’t really heard much from them.
“There’s interest there from other clubs.”
Sellwood has had the luxury of training alongside the Fremantle Dockers’ senior list, curtesy of the Thunder’s affiliation with the West Australian club.
Conducting an AFL-level pre-season has certainly boosted the defender’s stocks, suggesting his ready-made nature for top-level footy.
“Over the past couple of seasons, I’ve been training with Freo over the pre-season through the alignment with all those blokes,” he said further.
“You got up against them and with them and you’re playing to their level. That gives you a lot of confidence that if I can match it with them then I must be good enough.
“It instils a lot of confidence in me to go out there and know that my best is good enough.”
Beyond his evident potential, the youngster remains confident that he can make it at the top level if given the opportunity.
“I think I’m more than capable of making it at the next level,” he said further.
“I’ve just been waiting for my opportunity to show what I can do and my attributes.
“What’s changed is just that confidence, playing with more freedom and confidence. I’m only 21 so it’s only my third year of senior footy.
“But once you know the game plan, you have a bit of experience, you can play a bit more free-flowing footy. This year has been my best year and that’s come down to playing more free-flowing and knowing what my strengths are.”
The AFL Mid-Season draft takes place on Wednesday, May 28.
Image Credit: The West Sport
