A harrowing week for West Coast Eagles star Adam Selwood ended the way it should have, when he was last night cleared of making insulting comments to Docker Des Headland in last week’s Carlton Mid Derby.

Selwood, who travelled to Melbourne to give evidence to the tribunal, was exonerated on the charge and will be free to play against Carlton at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The emerging star, who has done some magnificent stopping jobs on some of the competition’s best players, including former Fremantle captain Peter Bell last Saturday night, was relieved rather than ecstatic when the verdict was handed down.

He had been subjected to some disgraceful personal attacks throughout the week after Headland alleged Selwood had made sexual references to the Fremantle player’s daughter.

In one of the most shocking recent examples of trial by media, Selwood was prosecuted and hung long before the tribunal hearing last evening, which was his first opportunity to offer his side of the story. Both Selwood and the club had abided by the tribunal laws and had made no comment on the content of his evidence in the lead-up to the hearing, despite a strong temptation to do so when he was under such fierce attack.

After more than two hours of evidence, Selwood was cleared of the charge.

“I’m relieved it’s over and pleased with the decision,” Selwood said. “I’ve been deeply hurt, offended and defamed by some of the accusations.

“It has been a harrowing week when my reputation has been smeared. This is the first opportunity I’ve had to outline my side of events.

“I want to reiterate that I’ve never said the words that have been attributed to me and I never meant to offend Des or his family.”

Selwood, who has an impeccable playing record and is a young man of unquestionable character, had never before fronted the tribunal in his 54-game career. He also represented Australia in the International Rules Series against Ireland in Ireland last year.

One of three brothers playing AFL – his twin Troy is with Brisbane and his younger brother Joel is at Geelong – their mother, Marie was recognised by the AFL Players Association last year for her contribution to the game.