West Coast defender Reuben Ginbey responds to AFLPA 22under22 snub after breakout season

But his breakout season in defence isn’t worthy of a spot in the AFLPA’s 22under22 squad.

Speaking after West Coast’s spirited loss to Adelaide on Sunday, Ginbey said he’d be keeping receipts for next year.

“I had a look at that team,” the emerging Eagle said. “I didn’t take it to heart or anything.

“Those boys in that team have a bit more class than me and know how to use the footy and find it a bit more.

“Good on those boys. I’m just working on the defensive side of my game.

“I’ve still got next year to make it because I’m only 20.”

The unassuming backman has been forced to play on some of the best key forwards in the competition this season, including Josh Treacy, Charlie Curnow and Riley Thilthorpe.

Giving up 10cm to his opponent, Ginbey managed to keep Thilthorpe goalless for three and a half quarters before the Crows spearhead snagged three majors late.

“With Harry (Edwards) not getting up early in the week, I found out mid-week I’d be playing on him,” Ginbey said. “I knew I was giving away a bit of height, but I have all year.

“He probably got me in the end, but I think I held him pretty well for most of the day. That’s what good forwards do. There’s a lot of learnings and a lot of confidence as well.”

It’s a performance that’s earned him the respect of the competition and paved the way for Eagles coach Andrew McQualter to slam the 22under22 selectors, including former St Kilda Leigh Montagna, for the controversial omission.

“It was extraordinary he wasn’t in that under 22 team,“ McQualter said after the Eagles’ loss to the Crows.

“People aren’t watching closely enough if he’s not in that team. He is just an unbelievable competitor.”

In the space of 12 months, Ginbey has transformed himself from an unconvincing midfielder into a key pillar in defence.

The top 10 draft pick started his AFL career as an on-baller after a successful U18s campaign. But the Dunsborough product admits he never felt at home in the midfield.

“I wasn’t happy with the football I was playing,” he said. “I wasn’t impacting games and playing my role to the best of my ability.

“I think I’ve found a really sound place in the team. It’s not about getting touches or doing the flashy stuff.

“I can play the footy I do best, which is scrapping all day, and hopefully I’m able to do that. I’m loving playing down back.”

It’s a case of going back to go forward, given Ginbey started as a defender at East Perth in his top age year before being transformed into a big-bodied midfielder.

Now, Ginbey is finding

his feet in the worst backline in the competition, a daunting task he’s proven he can tackle.

“You get confidence by playing consistent footy,” Ginbey said. “I feel like I’m able to play my role most weeks, and sometimes good forwards kick goals.

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“As a young defender, you take every goal they kick to heart a bit more, but as I mature and play more, I know you just have to reset and the next contest is the most important one.

“I think I’ve improved a lot this year, but I’ve still got a lot to work on. I need to fine-tune a few things, like my ability to mark the ball a bit more.

“I love a good challenge. I love to compete. I’ll be ready to rock and roll again next year as a key back.”