A win, a few goals and no injuries. Esava Ratugolea’s VFL debut was a success.

The 2016 draftee played his first game in the hoops on Easter Sunday after missing the practice match series with a calf injury. 

“It has been a long preseason so it was good to finally get out there and have a kick,” Ratugolea said.

“I missed all the praccy games so being out there was awesome and the boys really look after me out there which is good.”

Ratugolea not only got through unscathed, but played a key role in the VFL Cats first win of the season.

After spending the first half adjusting to the pace of the game, the tall forward converted on the half time siren to give his side a strong lead at the main break.

“Early I couldn’t get a touch of the ball but I just adapted to it, it’s definitely a lot quicker than what I’ve played before,” he said.

“I felt as though the boys were getting a bit quiet during that first half so definitely needed that goal which was good.”

Ratugolea finished with three goals from his seven disposals whilst also taking five marks in an excellent debut game.

Whilst his performance was outstanding, the 18-year-old was just pleased to get through unscathed after an injury plagued start to life as a Cat.

“There were a couple of tweaks in my calves that I just couldn’t get right.

“All the people looked after me really well and got me through it," he said.

Whilst he did feel the pinch on Sunday, his confidence in his body will continue to grow as he plays on a weekly basis

“Half way through the third quarter I started feeling it in my body a bit more, just in my calves, a bit of cramping,”he said.

“I got through it well though and it’s all about recovery now.”

Ratugolea played as a key forward for most of the day, a position he loves after playing the majority of his junior football around the goals.

“In juniors I’ve always played forward, also in the ruck as well, so today I played predominantly forward and loved every minute of that,” Ratugolea said.

Whilst he showed great athletic ability on Sunday, Ratugolea hopes to improve his forward craft, working closely with another talented Cat.

“I've been working a lot with Daniel Menzel seeing we play a similar position,” he said.

“I’m always talking to him on the training track, getting tips and everything.”

Ratugolea has found it easy adjusting to life in Geelong, despite coming from the small country town of Cobram.

“Its nothing too different, moving to Geelong, its not really the ‘city’, it’s a bit more chilled out which is perfect, I love it here.”

“I’m staying with a host family and staying with Brandan Parfitt and Quinton Narkle as well, I can pass the time pretty quick with them which is good.”