REIGNING Warrnambool and District Football Netball League premier Kolora-Noorat's title defence has been given a huge boost with the re-signing of gun forward Ben Fraser.
The 22-year-old works as a sales rep in Melbourne and each weekend last season he completed the six-hour round trip from the city to play for the Power.
"I just love playing with the club," Fraser said yesterday.
"I have heaps of cousins down there and playing with them all is enjoyable."
Fraser made his debut with Kolora-Noorat last season. Recruited from the VFL, he didn't disappoint.
He booted 102 goals for the season, including three between the big sticks in Power's 50-point premiership thumping over Timboon Demons.
Asked whether he believed Kolora-Noorat had what it takes to go back-to-back, there was no hesitation.
"Absolutely. That's the aim," he said.
"Hopefully we can win another flag. It'd be pretty cool. I enjoy helping out the younger players and hopefully I can give them a bit of advice."
Although Fraser was raised near San Remo, near Phillip Island, his family has a strong connection with Kolora-Noorat. His mother was from the district and it was the family connection which lured him back for at least another year.
"I work as a sales representative and my role changed this year, which is something I had to weigh up," he said.
"I spend a lot of time on the road during the week and then I'm travelling all the time at the weekend.
"But it was the enjoyment factor which was behind my decision to re-sign."
Fraser's commitment is a welcome boost to the Power, which looks set to lose six players this season. Coach Ben Kenna said the club was lucky the bulk of the losses weren't to rival clubs.
"People have just left the district. Some have gone to Queensland while others have gone to Ballarat," he said.
"It makes it hard. We haven't really gained any new players. We are in the same boat (with recruiting) as everyone else.
"This year will give some of our junior players the opportunity to step up."
Kenna said Fraser's re-signing was "really important" to the club. "It's just great to have him back on board," he said. "He is a tall forward and what he does each week (travelling) is a great effort."