The 19-year-old Portland native shifted his life east in February, landing at Warrnambool Rangers in pursuit of a soccer challenge.

It’s a test he’s found.

West salvaged a much-needed point in Rangers’ two-all draw with Buninyong on Sunday, slotting a 92^nd minute screamer as his team climbed into second place.

West’s maiden goal couldn’t have hit the back of the net at a better time.

“I could not believe it,” he laughed.

“All I can remember is that it bounced out to me, and I heard a teammate shouting ‘you’ve got time, you’ve got time’. From there, I just (smashed) it.

“It was awesome. It was such a good first goal, I loved it. I was harping on last week because Rob (Andrews) got his first goal, so I was saying ‘when is mine coming?”

West is relishing the challenge of soccer in the Ballarat and District Soccer Association.

“It’s been a really big test. Playing in Portland, the standard was a bit lower, and I played a bit up in Melbourne, but this (league) can be pretty hard,” he said.

“I’ve been mainly playing on the left side of defence as Liam Priestley usually has the centre covered.

“We’ve changed our formation this season, only playing three in defence instead of four. I think it’s a lot better.”

West said he sensed determination in the squad from his first training session at Jones Oval. 

He said he lacked speed but felt his arrival addressed a lack of height in Rangers’ defensive stocks.

“I’m definitely not in the side for my speed,” West laughed.

“I’m in there because I’m tall and because I can get in the way when there is a header to be won.”

Rangers could be bolstered by the return of Ryan Bail for their clash with Sebastopol on Sunday.