GEELONG recruit Scott Selwood remains sidelined indefinitely after admitting he could miss the first month of the season as his ankle injury continues to linger.

The former West Coast vice-captain was sent for reconstructive surgery in October last year, a day after being unveiled as a Cats player.

The 25-year-old has vowed to continue a conservative approach, determined to avoid a repeat of the rushed rehabs that affected recent seasons at West Coast.

But the midfielder tonight admitted this injury was taking longer to get over than anyone expected.

“It’s slowly coming along,” he said on 3AW. “It’s probably a bit slower than what I would have liked, but at this stage I’m pretty much no chance for Round 1 now, so I’m probably looking to (miss) a few rounds into the season and then try to get back into the team then.

“You probably don’t feel fully a part of the group and that’s just the part of being in rehab and I’m aware of that.

media_camera Barwon Health foundation's new ambassador Scott Selwood recently visited young Gabe Schembri who injured his neck after hitting a sandbar while surfing in Lorne. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“But I think once I do get fully fit, I can have the proper impact that I want.

“I’ve rushed the last couple of times I’ve come back and haven’t played good footy as a result, so I’m really aware that I need to take my time with this one and get it right before I come back in.

“Firstly, I’ve got to try and get back in the side, and we’ve got such a healthy list, and then have an impact.”

Selwood said the Cats were not shying away from the lofty expectations that have engulfed the club following the club’s off-season recruiting spree.

And he admits “Patrick Dangerfield fever” has hit fever pitch in the town.

“It’s quite incredible to watch,” he said.

media_camera Lorne Pier to Pub 2016: Geelong Cats Scott Selwood. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“The amount of people coming up to him on the street, you can’t go anywhere with him, so we’ve excluded him from the coffee club group and now we’ve just got our own little group.

“But it’s good. He brings a few more expectations and we don’t shy away from that. We’re looking forward to it, and Patty is a pretty humble customer, he just wants to get on with business.”