After not playing in 2003 or 2004, he made his AFL debut for the Lions wearing the number 28 guernsey in Round 1, 2005, against St Kilda.

His endurance and accountable style of play saw him mainly utilised in a tagging role on key opposition players.

On 9 May 2009, Selwood was knocked unconscious in a collision with Richmond's Alex Rance.

[3] On 1 October 2010, Selwood was rumoured to be moving back to his home state of Victoria and to the Geelong Football Club in the hope of resurrecting his AFL career.

It was suggested that Selwood would juggle completing his commerce degree while also working for Geelong and playing for the Cats in the VFL.