FOR the first time in his life, cricket isn't Tim Ludeman's priority.
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The Nirranda and Nestles export, who carved out a 10-year career with South Australia and Big Bash League franchises Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades, is juggling a new career and fatherhood for the first time.
Ludeman is working for Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers in Geelong and has, for the moment, put cricket on the backburner.
"It's been a pleasant change from hitting cricket balls for a living and moving into the real world," he said.
"Living the life of an athlete for 10 years is bloody good fun, but I suppose all good things have to end at some point.
Living the life of an athlete for 10 years is bloody good fun, but I suppose all good things have to end at some point.
- Tim Ludeman
"Work life after sport is really important and something you have to plan for. I was fortunate enough to be able to do a university degree when I was playing.
"Once I moved to Geelong, this opportunity presented itself through a few mutual contacts and I jumped at it. I've loved it."
Ludeman, a wicketkeeper, took on a coaching role at Victorian Premier Cricket powerhouse Geelong after his first-class career finished.
He reflected on his state career - most of which occurred in South Australia - with pride.
"It was a dream growing up, playing state cricket," Ludeman told The Standard.
"Even though it wasn't with Victoria, it was with South Australia, I wouldn't change it.
"I loved my time in Adelaide and I loved my time competing against some of the best cricketers in the country.
"It's a really great, fun thing to be able to do for a job, play cricket. Hitting and catching balls every day, it doesn't get much better than that."
Ludeman is unsure if club level cricket will beckon in the summer, but is leaning towards having the season off.
Ludeman's new podcast - which he hosts alongside Warrnambool's Matty Stewart and former South Australia coach Darren Berry - is one of the 33-year-old's hobbies.
The podcast - named Keeping It Real with Chuck, Ludey and the Big Fella is gathering momentum and is a way for him to stay in touch with his sporting roots.
"I've probably taken that step back from playing for now," he said.
"I loved coaching and playing at Geelong and it's obviously the Victorian feeder system so it's fun to play at that level."
"With the new job and a baby girl, it's taking up more of my time and that's more a priority. My love for cricket has taken a back seat.
"Whether I play in the Geelong Cricket Association or just have a year off, I'm not sure yet. I'm probably leaning towards having the year off.
"I like my fishing as well and other hobbies. I've played cricket all my life so it's probably time to have a rest and go from there.
"But who knows? I'll probably get itchy feet because I have played my whole life."
Two of Ludeman's disciples - Brody Couch and Tommy Jackson - last week earned Victorian rookie contracts after impressing for Geelong.
Couch - a fast bowler who also rose through the ranks at Nirranda - produced 3-36 in his first Victorian second XI match in February to thrust his name before selectors.
Jackson, meanwhile, has five Victorian Premier Cricket centuries to his name.
Ludeman said the duo were deserving of the contracts.
"Brody is one who has burst on the scene and he's another who has come from Nirranda. He's a good kid," he said.
"He has raw pace and talent and hopefully the Vics can harness that and help him become the player that he has the potential to be.
"Tommy is one who has come in and broken some long-standing records. I think five hundreds at the age of 18 or 19, I don't think anyone has come close to that since Brad Hodge.
"Putting your name against someone like Brad Hodge is a pretty good sign. He's doing good things as well.
"The challenge comes now. They've found rookie contracts and they're in the system but all the hard work starts now."
Family ties - Ludeman's parents live in Nirranda and his sister in Port Fairy - keep him tied to the region.
"I love the place," he said.
"I have my parents still living there and my little sister as well so I'm around quite a bit.
"There's obviously Nirranda's footy and cricket clubs and Nestles who I've played for so I keep a pretty keen eye on how they're going.
"It's definitely on those teams in particular but the league in general too."
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