Fitness and versatility are Selwood’s goals for 2018
GEELONG midfielder Scott Selwood says he has learnt from the mistakes of past preseasons as he looks to get through his first injury-free summer in the hoops.
The 27-year-old has endured two injury-interrupted seasons at the Cats, but is confident he can put those woes behind him this year.
Selwood, who crossed from West Coast at the end of 2015, has never been fit to play in Round 1 for Geelong.
Ankle, hamstring and a toe injury have popped up at various times, forcing Selwood to spend extended periods of time on the sidelines.
“It’s been really good (so far),” Selwood said of his body.
“I just have to take it really slow. I get a little bit of bone stress with my body.
“I take it slow if we change anything or there’s a new training load.
“It usually takes a bit longer, but there’s no pain and I’m just excited to be out there running at this time of year.”
Selwood admitted he might have gone a little bit too hard in the 2017 summer after playing just five games in 2016.
“This time last year I hadn’t really done a pre-season for a while. I really wanted to push myself and get my body into a really good shape and get as much from the pre-season,” Selwood said.
“But I ended up breaking down going too hard. It’s about continuity, not going too hard and managing my loads and things like that.
“It’s been about maintaining my fitness and not trying to challenge it too much. When games start I’ll hopefully step up a bit more and keep going.”
Selwood said there would be more competition than ever in Geelong’s midfield after champion onballer Gary Ablett returning to the club.
It gives the Cats unbelievable midfield depth and Selwood said it meant he had to be versatile to keep his place in the side.
“There’s five or six guys that can go through there (the midfield),” he said.
“I’m looking to play multiple roles, trying to see if I can jump out on a wing a little bit more, or a half forward role.
“I want to be really available for any position.
“There’s going to be a lot challenges for spots and at different times guys are going to need a rest, so I’ll just play my role whatever that is.”