SCOTT Selwood says he is hopeful he can stay at West Coast despite strong rumours that he is set to join Geelong next year.
The Eagles vice-captain has endured another difficult year with ankle problems stemming from the initial injury to his right ankle last season.
He has played just 12 senior matches so far this year, the same number as last season, and has been the starting sub in four of those 12 games.
Selwood missed rounds 20 and 21 due to ongoing ankle soreness after playing the previous 11 matches.
He returned via the WAFL last weekend and collected 21 touches for East Perth to put himself back in the selection frame to face St Kilda this Saturday at Domain Stadium.
The 25-year-old has put off contract talks all season, previously saying that he wanted to get his ankle right.
He is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the year and he has been heavily linked with a return home to Geelong to play with his brother Joel.
But Selwood told The West Australian that he is hopeful he can remain at West Coast next year despite no progression on his contract situation.
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"At the start of the year we said: 'Let's get the ankle right and focus on it' and the ankle's probably drawn out longer than what I expected," Selwood said.
"That was probably when things started popping up (with the contract) and then we said: 'Let's put it off' with the ankle still continuing.
"But I love this footy club and I love representing the jumper. We're in a good spot at the moment.
"It hasn't really been on the forefront of my mind even though there's been rumours swirling. I've just been focused on trying to get my ankle right and dealing with that.
"Once I get through that, we'll make a decision and I'm sure it'll be hopefully the right one and I'll hopefully continue with the Eagles."
The Eagles are confident of regaining a number of players this week as they need to win to guarantee a home qualifying final.
Chris Masten will return after serving a two-match suspension for biting, Sam Butler is set to be available after missing the last two weeks with a hamstring problem and Will Schofield is touch and go to get up from his hamstring issue this week but he will be fine for the finals.
Jeremy McGovern will be available to face St Kilda despite copping a knock to his left shoulder last week, but Sharrod Wellingham is likely to miss another week with the ankle injury that forced him out of last week's loss Adelaide.
