Cats could call in Selwood miracle

JOEL Selwood could make an extraordinary return for Friday week’s qualifying final just 32 days after syndesmosis surgery.

Bulldog Tom Liberatore returned for an elimination final in six weeks last year but a qualifying final return for Selwood would be 10 days short of that timeline.

The Cats have been warned that if Selwood tears his ankle ligament with a premature return his year is over and he might have permanent damage.

But Melbourne surgeon David Young told the Cats yesterday Selwood had the allclear to begin training.

The Cats face a tough call given Selwood will clearly be ready for a preliminary final if they beat Richmond for 14th time in a row. All public tickets were yesterday sold for a Tigers-Cats clash that could draw 95,000 fans at the MCG.

The inspirational Cats skipper will likely ramp up his preparation by testing the ankle at training early next week to assess his progress.

Respected sports medico Larkins said last night he believed Selwood could be on track to make an amazing return. “He is a very good chance to play,’’ Larkins said.