"I just needed something to do. I just felt in Melbourne I was getting a bit lost in a way but coming back and doing a trade and trying to get back into footy and whatnot was a way of stepping forward," the Hamilton Kangaroos recruit told The Standard.

"When I first moved there I was studying and then took a few gap years and was just working at a bar up there.

"That was another reason to come back, to move forward. I felt like I was getting stuck in a loop there."

MORE FOOTBALL: Bloods teenager making a mark on and off the field

Scott, 21, has taken big strides since settling back in the south-west.

He's started a plumbing apprenticeship and has re-connected with his former NAB League coach Gerard FitzGerald at Hamilton Kangaroos.

"Before COVID I signed with Lower Plenty and then the (2020) season didn't go ahead," Scott said.

"I thought 'I'm in Melbourne not doing much' and then 'Fitzy' gave me a ring and said 'are you going to be around Hamilton?'

"I said 'I might be'. I thought about it - I could be closer to home and get coached by Fitzy again which would be outstanding, then I landed this job and everything fell into place really."

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Scott, who spent time in Jeparit with his mum during the COVID lockdowns, is now living in Hamilton with his brother Travis, a boxer, and is enjoying the physical demands of his plumbing job.

"With previous pre-seasons I have always been working casual jobs and because I have started a trade it's been long days," he said.

"But it's been good, being a plumber we're working outside, and it's been good for my fitness."

Scott is hopeful three-time VFL premiership-winning coach Gerard FitzGerald can lift Hamilton Kangaroos to their first finals series since joining the Hampden league in 2013.

He played under the astute mentor during his stint with Greater Western Victoria Rebels as a teenager.

"Fitzy is one of those characters who is always easy to get along with. He is a people's person," Scott said.

"He is really good at making people feel welcome and connecting with you on a more personal level rather than just footy.

"Getting coached by him again, we picked up where we left off.

"It is exciting to see where he takes the team actually - he's one of those coaches, you never know what he's capable of but you know he's capable of great things."

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FitzGerald has earmarked Scott for a defensive role.

It's a challenge he's ready to embrace.

"I feel comfortable in the back line and that is where Fitzy wants me and where I am happy being," Scott said.

"My game style has always been more of a rebound player. It is something I can bring to Hamilton, transitional running, getting up the ground and hopefully even sneaking into the (forward) 50 if I need to.

"If there is a turnover I have the tank to get back."

Hamilton Kangaroos open their 2021 season against Port Fairy under lights at Melville Oval on April 10.

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