Esava Ratugolea

Drafted by Geelong with pick 43 in the 2016 National Draft, Esava Ratugolea arrived at Kardinia Park as a raw but explosive athletic prospect. For much of his time with the Cats, he was deployed as a key forward capable of pinch-hitting in the ruck, where his ability to crash packs and take strong contested marks teased high potential. However, injuries and inconsistent form made it difficult for him to cement a permanent spot in Geelong's best 22. In the latter stages of his tenure, he was rebranded as a key defender, showing aptitude for intercept marking but remaining on the fringe of selection in a premiership-calibre lineup.

Seeking greater opportunity and a defined role, Ratugolea requested a trade to Port Adelaide. After being held to his contract in 2022, he eventually crossed to Alberton following the 2023 season, with the Power recruiting him specifically to bolster their key defensive stocks. While initially tasked with locking down opposition heavyweights, his first season in teal saw a return to the forward line and ruck late in the year as coaches sought to maximise his impact. Now an experienced campaigner with over 100 games to his name, he remains a heavily scrutinised swingman, tasked with converting his physical gifts into reliable week-to-week performance.