EXPERIENCED midfielder Scott Selwood is ready to return to AFL level but understands he will have to bide his time before breaking back into Geelong’s in-form senior side.
Selwood has gradually built his fitness base in five VFL games on return from a hamstring injury sustained during pre-season and is no longer on managed minutes.
He gathered 19 disposals in a telling performance for the Cats in the narrow win over Footscray on Sunday.
“I do feel good, but at the same time I think it’s a really hard team to crack into,” the 29-year-old said of Geelong’s ladder-leading AFL side.
“It took Zac Smith up until Saturday night to get in and he’s been playing really strong footy, and James Parsons was similar.
“I think it’s just a matter of making sure you stay really fit and try to have really good form.
“When your opportunity comes, and hopefully it will, that’s when you take it.
“If not, you’re just building a stronger VFL system and trying to build the guys around you.”
Selwood said he would be able to play at AFL level off a five-day break if required against Richmond at the MCG on Friday night, but would not put any pressure on coach Chris Scott.
“I’m not that kind of person (to knock on Scott’s door), to be honest with you,” Selwood said.
“I’m just trying to play really good footy, and I think with the way the senior team’s going at the minute it’s more about the balance of the team.
“I’m just trying to be a really good teammate around the footy club and train really well.”
Geelong VFL coach Shane O’Bree was impressed with Selwood’s work in tricky conditions against Footscray.
“He was the one that got us going in the second half when we were getting beaten around the contest,” O’Bree said.
“I thought he kept on bowling them over and getting after the ball, which was pleasing.
“It was a good day for Scooter to work on that side of his game.”
Twitter: @shayne_hope
