Judd or Joel?

Geelong captain Joel Selwood bursts out of trouble to set up a late goal for the Cats. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

WHEN a kid named Chris Judd burst on the AFL in 2002 he established a playing CV that seemed unlikely to be rivalled.

Judd amassed awards like Lindsay Lohan picks up arrest sheets, his on-field presence sending shivers through the opposition as they tried to quell a playing style that cut like a scythe.

Between 2002 and 2007 Judd won a premiership, Norm Smith Medal, two All-Australian selections, a Brownlow Medal, AFL MVP and two best and fairests.

But six years later a slower, yet equally effective Bendigo-born locomotive in Joel Selwood set about producing an initial six seasons the equal of Judd.

AFL NAB CUP - Fremantle Dockers vs Geelong Cats at Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Docker Michael Walters lays a strong tackle on Cat Joel Selwood, resulting in a turn over. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

The Geelong captain's record is equally as impressive although far superior in his win/loss ratio.

Yes, Selwood's career has coincided with a wondrous period in Geelong's history, although some would argue his presence has been a compelling factor in the era.

Tonight Selwood and Judd lock horns when Geelong hosts Carlton at Etihad Stadium.

To compare the pair, and the stipulation is they were to be compared at the same stage of their careers or at age 24, we asked a collection of observers, including a Premiership coach, four Brownlow Medal midfielders and someone who played on both.

Paul Roos coached Sydney in five finals against the West Coast Eagles between 2004-2006, four times in which Judd was named West Coast's best.

"It's tough but probably Judd with his electric pace and ability to get outside and run and carry. Before the osteitis pubis, his outside game was so effective," Roos said "Back in those days, which is when you are talking about, you had to try and corral him.

Chris Judd snaps at goal against Richmond. Source: Herald Sun

"In some areas of your comparison Joel will be better ... Joel is just so effective at changing games as we have seen in first two rounds."

James McDonald, who played on Judd and Selwood during his 264-game AFL career, attributes some pre-game headaches to the days leading up to a Judd match-up.

"In the early days, he had that blend of speed and agility," McDonald said.

Most on-ballers have one or the other, but he had both. I couldn't find any weaknesses in his game when he was at the Eagles."

And Selwood?: "I didn't play on him as often, but like Judd he is a player who seemed to be able to find a way to change a game.

"You can't underestimate his mental strength or his relentless attack on the ball.

"I think of him as a very smart player, obviously very courageous, but also capable of finding uncontested ball."
McDonald's verdict?

"Because of their extreme consistency and ability to individually lift their teams, as they both did in the third quarters of Round 1, who is the better would come down to the flip of a coin and I wouldn't care which way it landed."

Mark Ricciuto, who won the 2003 Brownlow, regards Judd as "nearly if not the best midfielder I have seen, mainly because he was so explosive".

"But at the same time I haven't seen anyone crash into packs as Selwood. I'm not sure about his longevity but right now he deserves to be rated alongside Judd, and his leadership is a big part of that," he said.

"In fact maybe he is a better captain on what we have seen, one of the most natural captains you could ever see."
Geelong's 2011 premiership captain Cameron Ling admits to being "completely biased", given the five years he spent playing alongside Selwood.

"Joel is just incredible. What he does and says around the club, and then he backs everything up on the field," Ling said.

"It obviously comes down to what type of player you want.

"Put it this way, I would like to have them both in my garage. But deep down, I will always say Joel."