GEELONG midfielder Scott Selwood is hopeful of returning to play in a fortnight's time after missing the start of the season with a toe injury.

The 27-year-old told KRock on Saturday he was most likely to return via the VFL in round five of the AFL season to build match fitness before making himself available for senior selection. 

Selwood has played just five games since having ankle surgery soon after arriving at Geelong for the 2016 pre-season but he has settled in well and is now part of the club's leadership group. 

He said it was frustrating not to be playing but the medical staff wanted him to be sound when he returned rather than rushing him back. 

"The ankle is completely fine. I ran on my toes a bit more rather than running through my feet and it put a bit of stress through there and it just slowly got worse and worse," Selwood said. 

"We decided to take a few of extra weeks and make sure it is ready to go for the rest of the season when I come back."

Selwood, who played 135 games with West Coast before joining his brother Joel at Geelong, would be a welcome addition to the Cats' midfield because of his experience and hardness around the ball.

"I trained [on Saturday] and trained really well," Selwood said.

"I'm heading in the right direction but in terms of timeframes I'd love to say next week but probably the week after."