SOUTH Warrnambool recruit Kai Davies already feels right at home at Friendly Societies Park.
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The 18-year-old joins the Hampden league perennial finalists from reigning Ovens and Murray premiers Lavington Panthers after moving to the south-west to reunite with his brother Rhys and for a job opportunity.
Davies, a former Murray Bushranger, was a target for a number of rival clubs but some long-time friends at the Roosters sold him on wearing red and white in 2020.
"My brother works down here as a cabinet maker and a position came up so I ended up taking it and a few footy clubs then contacted me but South seemed like a good fit," he said.
"I went to school at 'Jamo' (Warrnambool Primary School) with Isaac Thomas, Ben Anderson and Jack Johnstone when I lived here. My family then moved to Albury and I stayed there till the end of year 12.
"But all the boys at the club have been getting around me and it seemed like a friendly place to be and I have fitted in really well."
The 192cm utility has been to two training sessions and has been impressed by how South's list was tracking.
"It seems like they are a strong outfit at the moment and recruited a lot of good players and with me coming back I'm looking to have fun and enjoy my footy and obviously win," he said.
"They are keen on winning and have finished around third and fourth the past few years and are looking to bolster their roster and improve and seem keen to knock off the top of table side and get a (flag) win."
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Davies missed Lavington's premiership victory last season due to a broken ankle he sustained in the final round of the season.
He said he had fully recovered from the injury and he was ready to play whatever role the Roosters coaching panel need him to play this year.
"I have played most of footy at half-back or half-forward but I can play anywhere and I am a good size and I move pretty well for my size and can play just about anywhere," he said.
Roosters coach Mat Battistello saw Davies in action during his time with Vic Country.
The experienced mentor, who is heading into his second-year at the helm, said he was pleased to have Davies on board and is eager to see the new Rooster get the best out of himself.
"He has trained twice and he has gelled with playing group and his very versatile and will be a great addition to the footy club," he said.
"Any player that enjoys themselves gets the best out of themselves and we try to create an environment where we work hard but are also having some fun.
"Kai having some friendly faces from the past has helped him settle in and he got a good vote of confidence from his brother, who was formerly involved with the footy club and spoke very highly of the club.
"That means we as a club are doing the right things to attract players back."
The Roosters resume their pre-season training in the first week of February.
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