Football was an afterthought. Getting back to work was the 27-year-old’s main priority. Until Nirranda came calling.

Ratu, a former South Warrnambool ruckman, was tapped up by the reigning Warrnambool and District football premier after speaking the father of James and Dylan Willsher, who lives just three doors away.

“I wasn’t really looking to play footy. I had ankle surgery and at that point, I was ready to give it up and to concentrate on work,” he said.

“I walked past Darryl (Willsher) one day and he asked if I wanted to have a go with Nirranda. I ended up going down there and I really liked how the boys get around each other. It’s more like a family, rather than just a club.

“The first time I was out there, I only really knew Robbie Gregg from South and the Paulin boys because I’d played against them at Warrnambool. 

“I didn’t know anything about the history or anything of the club, but I’ve sort of re-found my love of footy."

The concreter said he was building fitness and felt comfortable as the Blues’ number one ruckman following the departures of premiership ruckmen Bronte McCann and Heath Moloney.

“Fitness for me has been something that is coming back. After my surgery last year, it’s only the last couple of weeks I’ve felt totally one hundred per cent,” he said.

“It’s definitely improving week-in, week-out so that’s what I’m pressing on with.”

He believed the Blues were better equipped for the challenge of Old Collegians on Saturday and were determined to even the ledger after a round one trouncing.

“It was the first game about six new guys had played together back then, so we sort of weren’t gelled in,” Ratu said.

“We’re starting to know each other now and we’re working in with the plan, which is excellent.”