GEELONG recruit Scott Selwood will wear his new colours for the first time this week after being cleared to play in the VFL following a long recovery from a serious ankle injury.

Selwood, 26, played eight seasons at West Coast before moving to Geelong as a free agent at the end of last season.

He played 135 games with the Eagles, won their best and fairest and was co vice-captain in 2014 and 2015. But his last two seasons at the Eagles were hampered significantly by an ongoing ankle injury. He played just 25 games across the two years and missed out on last year's Grand Final.

He has had multiple surgeries including late last year and the Cats have been patient with his build-up to playing again but he is finally set to go this Saturday.

"I'm just looking forward to playing footy again. I haven't for nearly 12 months now," Selwood told geelongcats.com.au.

"I'm just looking forward to going out there and trying to get a kick and enjoying it, and looking forward to getting some lactic in the body and feeling like a footy player again."

Selwood said the slower recovery had been important this time around after previously rushing back to play during his time at West Coast.

"They've been patient – which I think is probably the most important thing," Selwood said.

"I think we could've probably rushed it a couple of times and pushed to go a bit earlier – but they took their time."

Selwood said he was really pleased with the move to Geelong to join his brother Joel despite not being able to play until now.

"I think it was just a bit of a fresh opportunity and do something different and I'm just looking forward to playing in Geelong colours now," Selwood said. 

The Cats are starting to build some depth as they push towards finals. Mitch Clark is close to returning to the senior side after four strong performances in the VFL.