WADE Griffin's seven-year soccer hiatus is coming to an end.
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The New Zealander, who moved to Australia in 2015, is tipped to add experience to Warrnambool Rangers' defence.
Griffin gave up the sport when his first daughter was born to focus on fatherhood.
With his oldest and middle child both playing through the club's Mini Roos program, Griffin decided it was time to pull on the boots again.
"It hasn't been too bad. The fitness wasn't as challenging as I thought it would be," Griffin told The Standard.
"I do a bit of running - I try to keep reasonably in shape.
"We had one practice match against Portland that went OK. It hasn't been bad at all."
Griffin said he hoped to provide stability to Rangers' left flank.
"Anywhere on the left side really," he said of an expected role.
"I'm pretty versatile position-wise.
"But I'd say I'll most likely end up playing left-back."
Griffin said he was relishing the chance to mentor some of Rangers' young talent.
"There's a lot of kids coming through and that's something I've really enjoyed - being able to help them," he said.
"I'm coming up to 31 and I'd love to be able to pass on some of my knowledge that I've gathered over the years."
Griffin is one of two experienced recruits for coach Cameron Pyke. Rangers have also signed midfielder James MacAuslan. The season starts on July 26.
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Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
