EAGLE LOCK
Selwood would ‘love task’ of tagging old mates
FORMERF West Coast midfielderfi Scott Selwood says he would relish the chance to run with one of his former teammates when Geelong travels to Subiaco on Thursday night.
Still yet to decide what job that might be, Selwood said he would happily put up his hand for any challenge.
His negating roles have been highlighted as one of the key reasons for Geelong’s improved defensive performances in the past three matches.
“If that’s what the coaches want to do, absolutely, I’d love the task of doing something like that,” he said.
“I’ve played with them a lot so I feel like I understand them well, but I don’t take them lightly just because I know them well. I know they’re really strong competitors, they’re ferocious in their attack so it’s going to be really interesting which way we go — whether we tag or not tag.”
Selwood’s output in three games since his return has steadily grown, with 25 touches in the win over Adel- aide showcasing the 27-yearold’s offensive flair.
But the 143-gamer said disposal counts would not define him.
“Each week’s going to look different,” he said.
“There will be times to try and look for the footy a bit more and try and help out the boys in offence, and also there will be times where I might need to be harder defensively or play that sort of role.
“I’m really open to either way, but I feel like I’ve got a pretty good read on what the coaches want from me and I’ve just got to keep trying to execute that.
“The good thing I think, over the pre-season, I’ve been able to understand what sort of role they want me to play in the team and what they want me to do going forward.
“I’m just trying to get better each week and make sure I play my role each week, it’s as simple as that.”
Selwood said the Eagles, 4-1 at home this season, would pose a difficult challenge for the Cats.
“They’re a complete different side to what I knew in personnel and probably the way they play too, so (I’m) excited to be taking on a team that’s really challenging to play against on their home deck,” he said.
“Knowing the club inside and out, they’re driven no matter what and trying to win each week, so (I’m) expecting their very best and expecting it to be a really tough, hard contest and we’re not going to take them lightly at all.”
Selwood admitted he was preparing for a cold reception from the Subiaco crowd.
“I think that’s what I loved about them — they’re so passionate and so loyal that I’m probably expecting a little bit of that,” he said.
Eagles full-forward Josh Kennedy is rushing to be fully fit by Friday night after suffering a calf injury a fortnight ago, while the Cats will be without Tom Hawkins through suspension.