Joel Selwood believes he and the Cats will be better for the run as they look to bounce back in Friday night’s semi final.

Selwood defied all odds to return from significant ankle surgery and take to the field against Richmond in last week’s qualifying final loss, having suffered a syndesmosis injury in round 20.

The Geelong captain was serviceable, collecting 19 disposals, six clearances and five tackles in the 51-point defeat but told Triple M on Wednesday morning he’d taken a lot out of the tank just to get to the starting line.

“It was probably more the lead up to it [the qualifying final]. It was a big month that I had to get everything pretty much right to make sure that I was out there,” Selwood said.

“I felt like I was going okay out there. I felt like I was up to speed. I was just a little bit rusty in making a few decisions at times.”

“A week under my belt now, hopefully I play a little bit better this weekend and help the side.”

Selwood says he’s pulled up well and has had a good week on the track as the Cats look to bounce back against the Swans in a do-or-die semi final at the MCG.

“We’ve prepared really well this week. I think that we’re up for the challenge,” he said.

“Now it’s just putting it out there Friday night and showing that we are actually a decent footy side when we get our game together.”