JOEL’S HOME RUN
Gruelling session to test skipper’s repaired ankle
JOEL Selwood will avoid match simulation at Geelong tomorrow but says he will still put himself through a gruelling session at the Cattery.
The skipper continues to race the clock to recover from ankle surgery in time for next Friday night’s qualifying final against Richmond and said the “daily grind” is paying off now that he is back running.
He said he was most pleased to no longer be housebound.
“I felt like I was in the Big Brother house at home for a little while,” he said.
“(I was) just making sure that infection stayed away (after the surgery).
“I stayed at home, got back to the footy club in the second week and from there onwards, it’s sort of just been a daily grind of just making sure that I’m feeling good.”
Geelong will be put through its paces this weekend after enjoying a few days off to recharge.
“I feel comfortable. The boys will have match sim on the weekend ... I don’t think I’ll be part of that but I’ll be off to the side doing a fair bit of work that’s pretty similar to it,” the captain — who on Wednesday earned his sixth All-Australian selection — said.
He also said he is confident that his endeavour to make a swift return will not lead to any long-term damage.
Selwood, 29, injured the ankle in Round 20 and was forced to watch on as Geelong sewed up second spot on the ladder.
“I’m very proud (of the team),” he said.
“Our coach has coached extremely well over the period and I sat back and felt pretty comfortable, to be honest. We’ve got some absolute star talent across the lines but we had guys step up and mature as footballers, too. It’s been a really pleasing time.” DUSTY RE-SIGNS: FOOTY FIX