Sarah Henderson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Communications) Share this | Hansard source

It's my great pleasure to rise and pay tribute to an extraordinary footy club, the mighty Geelong Cats. I was so proud to be there on the weekend, watching a magnificent club underpinned by incredible values take home another premiership. Very sadly, I wasn't at the parade through our city streets, but I was there in spirit. I have loved the Cats for as long as I can remember. When I used to play netball at the Kardinia Park courts, I would then head over in the standing room and watch my beloved Cats play.

This comes at a time when its mighty captain, Joel Selwood, has today announced his retirement from the game after a record-breaking career. I want to pay tribute to Joel, an amazing captain, someone with incredible values of leadership and community contribution, who has been extraordinary. I am referring to the Geelong Cats statement, which says:

Since being drafted to Geelong in 2006, arguably no other person has had the impact that Joel has had within the AFL both on and off the field.

He is a magnificent captain surrounded by a magnificent playing group. From CEO Steve Hocking down, it is a wonderful club. We are very proud to have the Geelong Cats in our city. I want to wish Joel all the very best. Here's hoping and wishing that there will be a back-to-back premiership next year. Go the mighty Cats! I love you with all of my heart and I am so proud of your achievements.