WARRNAMBOOL recruit Alex Shipard is refreshed and ready to kick-start his football career after a year on the sidelines.
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The former North Bendigo defender is eager to test himself at Hampden league level after moving to the south-west.
Shipard, 24, said his 12-month break would benefit him long-term.
“I did a few things outside of footy which was good,” he said.
“When training started here it was good to get back into it.
“All the aches and pains never really go away during the year and I don’t have any of that (after having time off).”
Shipard, who hails from Woodend, has settled into the south-west and is working as a carpenter in Port Fairy.
“My partner (Mairead Whelan) got a job with Warrnambool City Council about seven months ago and my lease ran out where I was back home so I decided to move down,” he said.
Warrnambool was the logical choice to re-start his football career.
“I live two minutes down the road (from Reid Oval), so walking to training is a big one,” he said.
“Hampden league has a pretty big name and is well spoken about, so it will be good to get out there.”
Shipard joined former NT Thunder forward Darren Ewing at training on Wednesday.
Ewing returns to the Blues following a distinguished NEAFL career.
“I arrived in town on Monday, so I am looking forward to getting out and getting to know my teammates and working out how we all play together,” he said.
“This is home for me, all my family’s here and my wife’s family, so we’re looking forward to it.”
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