GEELONG now has two Selwoods on the books after securing Scott Selwood from West Coast under the free agency rules.

Selwood's move to the Cats was confirmed on Monday when the Eagles announced they would not be matching the Cats' offer to the 25-year-old midfielder.

West Coast will now receive a draft pick as compensation for losing Selwood, who played 135 games for the Eagles after being selected with pick 22 in the 2007 national draft.

Selwood has battled ankle problems during the past two seasons, and he was not part of the Eagles' preliminary final or Grand Final teams, despite a solid performance as the substitute in the qualifying final.

However, he was an excellent performer before the injury, winning the 2012 best and fairest. 

And his leadership qualities are well known. He was the Eagles' vice-captain this season.

"Scott has shown over his time with the Eagles that he is capable of playing a number of roles and that will give us additional flexibility in how we set up," Geelong coach Chris Scott said.

"He is a person of high quality and will also bring exceptional leadership to our club."

Selwood paid tribute to the Eagles after confirming that he will be returning to Victoria and continuing his career at Simonds Stadium.

"The West Coast Eagles have been a great football club to have been a part of over the last eight years," he said.

"They gave me my first opportunity and I'll always be grateful.

"I'm really excited to be joining Geelong. I'm looking forward to being back among family and friends in Victoria, and hope I can be part of something special at the Cats."