The 21-year-old moved to the Blues in the off-season after spending time with Apollo Bay in the Colac and District league for the last two seasons and before that Hampden league club Cobden, which is walking distance from his home.

Benallack said his decision to move to the Warrnambool and District league powerhouse was based on a number of factors.

"I didn't really want to take my footy too seriously this year and I wasn't looking at playing," the apprentice carpenter said.

"The Nirranda boys like Bronte McCann... and then 'Quicky' (co-coach Shane Quick) talked me into having a kick and it has been good fun."

The relaxed approach has helped Benallack find form for his new side and miss just one game this season.

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From his 15 games in navy blue he has kicked 19 goals and been mentioned in Nirranda's best players six times.

"It's pretty cruisey out there and they don't take it too serious so it is a bit of fun and getting back into footy makes it more enjoyable. We like to have a bit of fun," he said.

Now the inside midfielder, who recently recovered from a shoulder injury, will be a key driver in Nirranda's quest for back-to-back premierships - starting with Merrivale in the qualifying final on Saturday.

"We are definitely getting back to pushing for it for the last three or four weeks of the year," he said.

"We haven't had the best last three or four weeks and last week's result (a 105-point win over Timboon Demons) was really good and we are getting back into it.

"Hopefully we push for the last three to four weeks and get the job done."

Benallack's last game before being rested for the Demons match was against Merrivale in round 17 when the Tigers prevailed by 53 points.

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