Peel Thunder's Michael Sellwood drafted to Western Bulldogs

Baldivis Brumbies and Peel Thunder product Michael Sellwood is now a Western Bulldog after being selected with pick five in the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

The 21-year-old defender began his football journey at Baldivis before making his league WAFL debut for the Thunder in 2023, playing 43 games including their grand final win in 2024.

“It was unbelievable, it’s been a childhood dream of mine so for it to come true and happen is mind-blowing but I’m really keen to get stuck in with the Bulldogs,” Sellwood told SportFM.

Sellwood said his time at Baldivis and Peel was a major contributor to his new role at the Western Bulldogs.

“I owe them getting drafted,” Sellwood said about coming through Baldivis and Peel Thunder.

“I started in the under-14s and have gone through the whole system from (WAFL) colts to league and they’ve been massive for me and that’s the reason I’ve been drafted.

“They’ve shown a lot of faith in me and I couldn’t be more grateful for Peel, they’re an unbelievable club and I love them to bits.”

Standing at 186cm tall, Sellwood has averaged 24 disposals, eight marks and six rebound 50s per game this year.

Bulldogs Player Acquisition and Strategy Manager Michael Regan said Sellwood will add another valuable layer to the Dogs' backline mix. 

“Very, very brave in the air and we think he’ll add immediately to our ability to intercept the ball," Regan said

“He drives ball movement as well with a penetrating kick.

“He’s put together a great body of work over a couple of seasons now including in the Grand Final last year against East Perth."