Port Adelaide’s Esava Ratugolea has opened up about his hamstring injury, his rehabilitation journey, and his excitement to work under new senior coach Josh Carr and a refreshed coaching group.
Speaking on the ground in Penang, Malaysia, where he has volunteered his time in the off-season to help deliver Power Community Limited’s (PCL) Power to Thrive program, the defender also reflected on the impact of the experience, as well as his own journey of relocating away from friends and family to pursue an AFL career.
PCL’s Power to Thrive program is a wellbeing and resilience initiative designed for children of Australian Defence Force (ADF) families.
Drawing parallels between AFL players relocating to new states and the experiences of children from ADF families who move frequently, the program provides practical tools and resources to support their mental, emotional and social wellbeing.
It explores themes such as gratitude, confidence, community connection, self-esteem, goal setting and character strengths, all closely aligned with the Port Adelaide Football Club’s player development program.
Ratugolea on relocating away from friends and family to pursue his AFL career
“I probably had it a lot easier compared to these kids moving across the world, but there were challenges - moving footy clubs, making new friends, moving to a new city that I’ve never lived in, starting at a new football club. It was tough at times, but I had a good support base and good mates around me to help me with that. These kids… it’s really tough to move across the world, but I think there are great things in place here to help them with their move and their families as well. It’s been great here.”
Ratugolea on the personal impact he’s felt sharing his experience with children of ADF families
“It means a lot. I mean, it’s something I have in common with these kids. Like I said, I haven’t moved across the world, but you know, just making a new start and making new friends - these kids are starting new schools, and I’ve started at a new football club as well. So, there are things in common there. But again, I had a really good support system, and these guys have a really good support system here to help them with that. There are huge smiles on these kids’ faces.”
Ratugolea on the heartfelt moment from Penang that he’ll remember forever
“We got in a circle, and we told each other what we were grateful for. And there was a kid that was sitting next to me who was really grateful to have us there, and he said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I thought that was great. We came here, and we run some footy clinics and have our workshop here, but the smiles on the kids’ faces are great, and it’s great to hear that from such a young kid as well. It was a great moment.”
Ratugolea on his hamstring injury rehabilitation
“Rehab is going really well. It was a tough first few weeks after surgery, but the (rehabilitation) program’s gone well. Tim Parham (Port Adelaide’s Director of Athletic Performance) is helping a lot with that in my rehab, and there’s been a great program that has been sent through to do in my off-season. It’s coming along well - I’m starting to run a bit quicker, and the hamstring is getting a lot stronger.”
Ratugolea on continuing his strong form into the 2026 season
“That was probably a point where I was disappointed with my injury. I thought I started to string together a few good games of football there, and my confidence was there - and it’s still there for me. I’m keen to have a good pre-season, get my body right, and get my body up for Round 1. I’m confident and ready to go for next year, and we’ve got some good players coming in to help with that.”
Ratugolea on working with Josh Carr and the new coaching group
“I’m super excited. I guess last year he’d sort of been there as a coach, but more on the side. I’ve got a really good relationship with Carry, and so do a lot of the other boys. I’m looking forward to a new game plan, and the new staff and players that he’s brought in. It’s exciting, and I’m looking forward to a great pre-season.”
