Ruggles prepared to leave for time

OUT-OF-CONTRACT defender Tom Ruggles is confident his best football is ahead of him at Geelong, but says he is prepared to move elsewhere to continue his career.

Ruggles played the first four games of this season but was unable to make his way back into the senior side after being omitted following a heavy hit with Hawthorn’s Josh Gibson in the Easter Monday blockbuster.

The 25-year-old, who dislocated his collarbone while playing in the VFL in June, said he was confident he had more to give at the elite level.

“I still think I’ve got something to give to the AFL,” Ruggles said.

“I came in as a 24-year-old and I’m not ready to go out yet. So if I have to continue (my career) somewhere else, that’s what’s going to happen.”

Ruggles would have expected to play a prominent role in Geelong’s back six this year, but was squeezed out of the defensive line-up following the emergence of Jed Bews.

With recruits such as Zach Tuohy, Tom Stewart and Zach Guthrie making an impression in their first year, it is possible he may find more opportunities elsewhere next year.