Chambers aims to be Tigers' top ruckman
by Brent Diamond - Werribee Banner
NEW Werribee Tigers recruit Paul Chambers is feeling more relaxed and excited about his football.
Together with his girlfiend Michelle Bradshaw, the former Sydney Swan and Geelong player spent a season in the harbour city, under coach Paul Roos, before the couple returned to their home in Geelong, realising its where they
belong.
``I really liked it up there [in Sydney].
``It's a very unique city and it was good for me early because I played the first 12 games,'' Chambers told the Banner.
``It was good and was something that I wanted to do while I was young, it took a while to fit in up there, but I was glad to
have the opportunity.
``We have a house in Geelong and we feel right at home here.''
Originally from Bacchus Marsh, Chambers has a career total of 44 games after five seasons in the AFL.
He was overtaken as back-up ruckman to Darren Jolly by Stephen Doyle in the second half of the season.
As soon as the Swans had secured former Hawthorn ruckman Peter `Spida' Everitt for this season, it was clear Chambers' opportunity at senior level would have been limited.
``I wanted to return to Victoria.
``I have a lot of things I want to do down here. I want to continue studying [primary school teaching] and things like that.''
Since making his senior debut in 2002 with Geelong, the 24yearold struggled to get a look in as a back-up ruckman to
Steven King with a young Mark Blake edging him out of the team.
The Swans lured Chambers at the end of the 2005 season after failing to nab Everitt in a frenetic trading period.
He describes his time in football as ``frustrating but exciting''.
``Probably playing in the NAB Cup grand final against Carlton was a highlight even though we lost, and probably my first
game. Running out there was a great feeling.''
The Werribee Tigers managed to lure him to Bartercard Oval despite fielding offers from Geelong clubs in the Geelong
Football League.
``I had a good chat to Mark [Penaluna, Tigers' general manager] and he told me about the club and I was pretty impressed with them from day one and what they had to offer,'' he said.
``I was deciding between playing local footy or VFL and I just thought after playing AFL footy for so long, it would have been a big drop to go to a local league.
``If I wanted to play VFL later then it would have been a lot harder to get back into.''
The 196-centimetre beanpole could finally make his breakthrough with Werribee as a lead ruckman, with former Sydney team-mate Andrew Ericksen recruited as a back-up.
``I'd like to not only think I can play in the ruck but can push up forward as well and play a role up there.
``I know James Podsiadly from my days at the Western Jets so I've fitted in really well with the boys.
Last Modified on 22/02/2008 10:57