Cometh the moment, cometh the man.
Ratugolea saved some of his best football for the big moments in 2019, with a strong finals campaign the centrepiece of yet another season of steady improvement.
Soarin’ Sav found his feet in September, taking a swag of big marks on the big stage.
Game-Breaking Performance
The Cats had their backs up against the wall prior to their semi final clash with the Eagles, and the club responded in the strongest-possible fashion.
Geelong jumped out of the blocks with some strong Ratugolea plucks helping to set the tone.
The Flying Fijian kicked two goals in three minutes to end the first term, handing the Cats a significant quarter-time lead.
Ratugolea would finish the match with three goals and four contested grabs from 12 touches for the night.
Standout Moment
With one gather, turn and goal, Ratugolea left a stadium full of mouths hanging open in wonder.
A 197cm and 102kg key position player simply shouldn’t be able to move with the athleticism Ratugolea managed in round 11 against the Swans.
No one enjoyed the goal more than Esava himself as the exuberant Cat took off towards the boundary with his arms held aloft.
View this post on InstagramCan someone tell Esava you're not supposed to be able to do this at 197cm? #StandProud #WeAreGeelong
The Quote
“He’s got some amazing physical attributes. To be able to move like that as a big bloke – it must be nice. I wouldn’t know what that felt like.”
Brad Ottens was envious of Esava’s physical gifts after his aforementioned goal against North Melbourne.
Stats File
Ratugolea ranked 17th in the AFL for contested marks, a strong result given his status as Geelong’s second tall target.
The 34 contested marks for the year placed Ratugolea second at Geelong, just four behind All Australian Tom Hawkins.
Ideal Locker Buddy
If there was an ideal locker buddy for Esava Ratugolea in 2020, it would be Mitch Duncan.
Duncan led the Cats with his accuracy around goal in season 2019, converting on 71.4% of his chances alongside Cameron Guthrie.
Ratugolea converted 44.1 per cent of his chances this year, and for a second year in a row kicking an equal number of goals and points.
If the athletic forward can boost his conversion in front of the sticks, a huge goal return could be in store in 2020.
