A STINT at his feeder club St Joseph’s was just the tonic Ben Moloney needed.
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The former Kolora-Noorat junior is getting back to the football that saw him make an impact at VFL clubs Collingwood and Werribee at his new state league home in Geelong.
Coming off a broken leg heading into the season, Moloney said he took a while to get going in season 2017.
“I played the first four games (in the VFL) and was probably a bit underdone,” he said.
“I might’ve come back a bit early. I got sent back to local level with St Joseph’s and found some form.”
It was the first time Moloney had played at his Geelong league feeder club since 2014 and provided the perfect platform to rediscover his form and enjoyment of football.
He had the chance to play alongside some teammates from his Geelong Falcons and Werribee days, and get confidence back in his body.
“It was really good to enjoy my footy there. You kick a couple of goals and play OK and you have a win – you get a bit of confidence back,” Moloney said.
Moloney returned to the Cats’ VFL fold two weeks ago to be involved in their two big wins over North Ballarat and Coburg, labelling his game against Coburg as his best for the season.
A host of south-west exports starred in the clash, with North Warrnambool Eagles’ Sam McLachlan named best on ground, while Sam Dobson booted six goals and Jamaine Jones kicked five.
Moloney will now turn his attentions to preparing to take on Collingwood – where he played for four seasons and was vice-captain – this Saturday at Simonds Stadium.
The 26-year-old was a week off returning to footy when the Cats took on the Magpies in a pre-season practice match, meaning Saturday’s encounter will be his first against his former club since crossing to Geelong last November.
“I’ll probably be a bit more nervous on game day, (but) I’m probably a bit more excited,” Moloney said.
“I’ve not so much got a point to prove, but I played there for a long time. I’ve still got a lot of good mates there.
“I just hope to get out there and play my role.”