FORMER NEW South Wales resident James MacAuslan is hoping to help the Warrnambool Rangers in its quest for glory.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Hamilton-based exercise physiologist, who moved to the south-west to work at Western District Health five years ago, is returning to the world game for the first time since 2013.
Since moving to the area the 32-year-old has played reserves football for the Hamilton Kangaroos but was eager to make a return to soccer.
Listen to this week's edition of The Standard's football podcast - The Main Break
READ MORE:
MacAuslan was drawn to the Warrnambool Rangers because of their connection to the Ballarat and District Soccer Association.
"I was looking to play in a decent soccer competition with football not going ahead this year and I needed to get back into a team sport," he said.
"I always wanted to get into soccer but it was a bit harder around here (in Hamilton) and I wasn't aware Warrnambool competed in Ballarat until the end of last year.
"So I got in touch with the Rangers and they were happy to have me."
The midfielder has played most of his soccer career with the Lake Albert Sharks in Football Wagga Wagga.
He also had stints at Bathurst 75 in the second tier of the state league and with his university Charles Sturt in his final year of studying.
MacAuslan, who won senior best and fairest at the Sharks and with his university, was eager to secure more team success with the Rangers.
"I want to win a premiership because realistically that is reason why I play team sports," he said.
"To be premiers at the end and play a big part in that is what I'm planning to do.
"As far as I'm aware we are not playing finals so hopefully we can get as many wins as soon as possible and see what the rest of the season looks like as it is a bit of a weird one."
MacAuslan said his motivation was as high as ever after seven years away from the game.
"I got back into running and have been trying to trim down as it's a bit different to football," he said.
"I have dropped a bit of weight as I don't need to be so heavy but more mobile.
"I'm keen to get into a good soccer competition as I haven't played in a decent competition in a while and there it is good to see another opportunity to play."
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
