GEELONG midfielder Scott Selwood could yet return to play against his former side as the Cats prepare to take on Eagle Nic Naitanui on Sunday.
After two impressive VFL hit-outs following ankle surgery in January, Selwood will board Geelong’s chartered flight with teammates on Saturday.
He was named as an emergency on Friday afternoon, but the Cats could yet spring a late selection surprise.
West Australian Tim Kelly, who will return home for the first time since his debut, said a potential Selwood return would help the midfield counter the impact of the Eagles ruckman.
"It’s great having Scoot come back," Kelly said on Friday.
"He brings a lot more than what he does with the ball, it’s setting up, it’s his voice out on the field. It’s good to have another leader out there.
"We've just got to get back to playing our best footy and make it a contested ball game. Nic Nat's going to be pretty dominant and probably give their midfielders first look but (we've) just got to be able to adapt and adjust."
BETTER THAN KELLY? The WAFL gun who got away
In just his second senior game, the 23-year-old lined up alongside trio Patrick Dangerfield, Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood in Monday's loss to Hawthorn
"I definitely do pinch myself at times, they're guys who I've sat on my phone and watched highlights of growing up," Kelly said.
"I've got some absolute champions around me and playing with guys like that brings you to another level.
Kelly, a former electrician who was recruited from South Fremantle in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, will fly to Perth on Friday night and return home on Monday, giving him two extra nights with family and friends.
And with his partner and three sons already back home, Kelly said he was excited to return to play at the new Optus Stadium.
"It's going to be good to get back home to spend time with the family," he said.
"Six or seven months leading up to the draft I was working in the city and driving past it (Optus Stadium) every day. Just as I got drafted I think it was ready to go, I'm excited to be back home and can't wait."
Kelly credited the wives and girlfriends of Cats teammates who have provided a helping hand for he and partner Caitlin to adapt to Geelong with their boys.
