This year the AFL have implemented a new rule to prevent ruckmen making contact before the umpire throws the ball, which could mean a ruckman’s leap and running power may be seen as more important than their height and bulk.
According to Selwood their new lanky and fast 21 year old rookie, Mark Blicavs, could have the desired build and athleticism to match the succeeding ruckman and it may be wise for other clubs to take note.
"Maybe. It has worked well for him," Selwood told Fairfax.
"Being a skinnier guy with height who has an amazing running ability, it may be something for the future.
"That's why clubs want to know what it is going to be because there might be more Mark Blicavs out there that clubs are gong to go after."
During the preseason both rookies, Blicavs and Josh Walker, manned the fort in the ruck stepping up for all four ruckmen who were out for injury, including Hamish McIntosh (knee), Dawson Simpson (back), Nathan Vardy (hip) and Trent West (knee).
Currently Simpson has been put on the long-term injury list, which gives the Cats the opportunity to elevate either Blicavs or Walker to the senior list.
Whilst Vardy and McIntosh will most likely need more time to recover, however, Selwood believes the likes of West returning for round 1 is looking more promising each day.
"West is going to be thereabouts but Hamish and Nathan, we're just going to take our time. We're not going to put a round on it, they'll just play when they're ready," Selwood said.
Selwood concludes how important it is not to rush Vardy back on to the field, after enduring such a crippling injury.
At this stage the club is focussed on him making a full recovery and achieving a successful and long-term career.
‘’We have seen some brilliance from him already and we just hope we can get some more of that in the future,’' Selwood explained.
"I think it shouldn't be rushed. Nathan knows where he's at and he's grown up a lot since the [last hip] injury. We look forward to him being a 10-year player for Geelong, not just a five or six-year player."
