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SCOTT Selwood is confident that surgery will fix his troublesome right ankle, despite a failed reconstruction hampering his football over the past two seasons.
The tough 25-year-old midfielder had another reconstruction last week, just days after his free agency switch to Geelong from West Coast was confirmed in the wake of the Eagles' Grand Final loss.
Selwood isn't expected to start full pre-season training until after Christmas, but told NAB AFL Trade Radio the "simple" operation should get him back to his best.
"Two years ago I played the Saints and unfortunately rolled my ankle and we went in for an ankle reconstruction half-way through last year," Selwood said.
"We probably didn’t do it successfully with the surgery, it didn't quite work out, and we battled through until this year and had a couple of clean-ups along the way.
"But we finally went in and gave into it all and said we need to start again with it.
"It's a pretty simple operation and simple recovery - hopefully this time we get it right."
Selwood, who wasn't picked for the Grand Final, said the news he needed to go back under the knife crystalised his belief he needed a fresh start back in Victoria with the Cats.
"The whole year I was just focused on trying to get my ankle right, and the decision-making process wasn't really in place until I got to round 17 or 18 and there was rumours going around, but I hadn't really made up my mind," he said.
"I saw a surgeon then and he hinted that I might need another ankle reconstruction – that was when I probably thought it was time to come home."
The youngest of the four Selwood brothers has relished the move back to his home state and he believes the Cats' list – bolstered by the additions of Patrick Dangerfield, Lachie Henderson and Zac Smith – is capable of challenging for a premiership.
"That was something I really had to weigh up when I was coming home … I'm leaving a club in a premiership window to make sure I'm coming to a club that's going to have the same sort of success," he said.
"I think when you get to our age, you create your own expectations and they're quite high from all of us boys coming in. Hopefully we can have an influence and try to win some games next year.
"I played a lot of footy going through juniors with Paddy and he was a first-class athlete then and he's gone on to do what he's done.
"I'm really excited – the thought of not having to tag (brother) Joel or Paddy again unless it's in training is quite relieving, to be honest with you."
After chatting with Cats coach Chris Scott, the midfielder said he expected to be used in a run-with role next season.
Selwood is yet to chose a new number at the Cats after playing all-but nine of his 135 games for the Eagles wearing No.10, but already knows which guernsey – and locker - he doesn't want.
"There was number choices up for grabs and someone said 15 might be available and there was no chance I was taking 15 and a locker next to Joel," he joked.
