You won’t be able to see it in theatres, but the story of Tom Ruggles is the feel-good hit of the summer.

It’s a plot we’re all too familiar with in modern football – the mature-aged recruit who, after years of plying his trade in the local leagues, finally gets his chance at the big time.

It’s the underdog story we all know and love; and if the 23-year-old former Drysdale junior has his way, it’s a fairy tale that will come true for more amateur footballers than just Tom Ruggles.

“I’m not the only one that’s been able to do it,” Ruggles told media on Friday on the boundary of Simonds Stadium – where he will make his AFL debut for Geelong.

“I’ve had a lot of people before me give me inspiration and be able to do that. So hopefully I can do that too … for other people.”

He speaks of names like Fremantle’s Michael Barlow and former Cat and Crow James Podsiadly – two players who have gone on to not only have successful AFL careers but have also earned tremendous respect for their resilience through what was, at one point or another, an unconventional pathway.

In the case of Tom Ruggles, only a season ago the then landscaper was playing for Leopold in the ever-strong Geelong Football League. He had even taken on a coaching role for the Lions to further his development, but time was wearing thin in regards to his AFL dream.

The decision was made to give it one final shot and Ruggles arrived for his first session at Simonds Stadium for the VFL Cats ahead of the 2015 season.

“It’s been a long road since then,” Ruggles reflected.

“I wasn’t in the best shape and it was a tough pre-season and I’ve had to come from a long way back.”

“I’m glad I made the decision [though] and it’s all paid off now.”

It would be a breakout year for the young defender. Playing right under the nose of Geelong’s AFL recruiters, the then Ruggles made his way into the Cats’ best 10 out of 18 games and claimed the side’s best and fairest.

Now, if you ask Cats recruiting boss Stephen Wells, those feats were most certainly enough to have Ruggles on the list of potential prospects heading into last year’s AFL rookie draft. But having missed out once before, Ruggles was not prepared to leave anything to chance and took it upon himself to make contact with the master recruiter just days before the draft.

That text message led him into a room with Wells, football boss Steve Hocking and director of coaching Simon Lloyd some hours later, before eventually being selected by the Cats with pick 44.

And now, as he prepares to make his senior debut for Geelong on Sunday against Brisbane at Simonds Stadium, Ruggles feels his time has finally come.

“My body wasn’t up for it back when I was 18,” he admitted.

“Back then I was immature as a footballer. If I’d been picked up then I might’ve been spat out straight away and lost my chance. I think it’s gradually built up to this moment and I think I’m ready now.”

“There’s been a lot of support. Everyone knows how long it’s taken me to get here.”

“I think I’m right to go. It’s just about putting it all into place.”

“You’re never really out of the chance of playing AFL footy. If you really want it bad enough it’s something you can always achieve, I think.”