Selwood has been impressed by the 29-year-old’s work ethic, knowing that Stephenson was already well-versed in holding his ground on-field against AFL-listed ruckmen in the Victorian Football League.

“We’ve had some nightmare matches against North Ballarat (in VFL) with him in the ruck,” Selwood said during a visit to Ballarat yesterday.

“We are looking forward to having him on our side – it’s better having him on your team than playing against him, for sure.”

Stephenson, a four-time VFL Team of the Year ruckman, joined the reigning premier at pick 78 in last year’s AFL national draft.

Selwood said Stephenson was already a strong player but, like most players, had worked hard to fine-tune and muscle-up his body this summer.

The Cats made clear when they drafted Stephenson that the experienced ruck would play AFL in 2012, and Selwood said it was up to the coach when exactly Stephenson’s time would come.

The father-of-three was drafted on the back of a late retirement announcement from the Cats’ big man – and now ruck coach – Brad Ottens.

Medium-term injuries to Dawson Simpson and Nathan Vardy have heavily depleted the Cats’ rucking stock, leaving Trent West and Stephenson tipped to play leading roles.

It is a big year for the Cats, who are defending their flag, and with Stephenson experienced in the pressures of premiership defence, Selwood looked forward to seeing what The Big O could do with the Cats.

“It doesn’t matter what level you win a premiership, it’s always a huge thing,” Selwood said.

“Orren wants to learn and is putting everything into his game and training, and that’s a huge part of adjusting to AFL.”

Selwood also expected to see bigger things from former North Ballarat Rebel Josh Cowan in the midfield this season.

Cowan, from Daylesford, was drafted to the Cats in 2009 and played three AFL matches in his debut season last year.

One week into his captaincy, Selwood said it was “business as usual” at the club.

The 23-year-old said he had not felt extra pressure in his preparation for leading a premiership team on field and was ready for the challenge.

“I’m looking forward to a new role,” Selwood said.

“I’ve got a good group of guys supporting me and the club is helping me learn.”

Geelong will launch its pre-season NAB Cup campaign in pool matches against Sydney and St Kilda on February 24.