Wins were few and far between for new Rat Dylan Shelley at his previous club, but he said the run of success he and his new side is having is "refreshing".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Shelley joined Ararat in the off-season, leaving home club Corio in the Geelong and District Football League that he had played at his whole life in search of a new challenge.
The Geelong-resident had won just one senior match in his young career before making the move to the Rats who have won seven games in just half a season.
"I played senior footy for about four years but just got one win, so it was definitely a different feeling to come in and have success like we have had," he said.
RELATED: Rats consolidate spot in top three
"It's awesome to be winning games."
Shelley made the move to the Rats alongside his partner Taylor Mason who coaches the A Grade netball team.
He said he has settled in well despite initial apprehension.
"At first I thought it would be tough but I have really enjoyed it," he said.
"It has been pretty easy playing with a good bunch of blokes, under a good coach and at a good club.
"It also helps when you are winning."
Shelley said one of the biggest things he noticed since joining Ararat and the Wimmera league is the different standard.
"There is definitely a lot more professional than where I was from," he said.
"The standard of the league is also really good, it is a pretty even competition."
Despite having played just a handful of games earlier in the year, the young Rat showed his worth when selected in his first senior interleague team.
READ MORE: Distance no worry for Mendes
"It was an awesome feeling to be part of that," he said.
"It is something I have always wanted to do and to get the chance to do it straight away was amazing.
"It was also a really good chance to meet guys from other parts of the league and see how players at clubs like Horsham go about what they do."
Shelley, who has averaged one goal per game this season, will miss his first game of the year this weekend when Ararat hosts Nhill.
He sustained a head knock last weekend against Warracknabeal and will sit out on Saturday as a precautionary measure.
"I am feeling good now and could play but I'll take a break just as a precaution," he said.
"I love playing footy so I would love to be out there every week but sometimes you just have to take a step back."
After 10 rounds the Rats sit in second spot with a strong percentage and just two losses to their name. With finals once again on the horizon for Ararat Shelley said it would be exciting to get a taste of post-season action.
"We are in a good spot so hopefully we can just keep ticking along to book a finals place," he said.
"Finals are always what you aim at. This is a new situation for me so it is pretty exciting."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.