Tom Ruggles Biography

Learning to love the game again is Tom Ruggles' goal for 2018, as the discarded Cat returns to the Geelong Football League and tries to put the heartbreak of his abrupt delisting behind him.

"It was a bit hard to take. I mean, in two months, they told me twice I wasn't going to be there," Ruggles said.

"I'm still disappointed with only being able to have two years in the AFL system and now it's all over.

"I have no regrets for what I did. I laid everything out there."

Geelong coach Chris Scott says delisted defender Tom Ruggles may be drafted back to the club.

"It was a really difficult situation (to delist him), so he'd count himself a little bit unlucky," Scott said.

"He's been invited to stay around the club, use the facilities and prepare himself so he is in good shape if he does get another opportunity.

"It certainly is an option at our disposal to use one of our picks to bring Tom back in."

Geelong delists Tom Ruggles.

Ruggles made an immediate impression at the Cats after playing 18 games in his debut season coming off the rookie list.

The 25-year-old backman was upgraded to the main list this year and appeared in the opening four games of the season, but wasn't seen at AFL level again.

"We would like to thank Tom for his efforts over the past two years," Geelong’s general manager of football Simon Lloyd said.

"He has been a hard worker and popular member of our team."

Tom Ruggles is elevated to Geelong's senior list.

Robbie Gray is on his last chance with the Match Review Panel as he prepares to walk a tightrope and remain eligible for the Brownlow Medal this season.

Gray accepted a $1500 fine for rough conduct, after putting down Geelong defender Tom Ruggles behind play with an intentional hit to the body.

Tom Ruggles makes his AFL debut for Geelong at Kardinia Park with 17 disposals (14 kicks and 3 handballs) and 9 marks in a 69-point win over Brisbane.

Tom Ruggles has been elevated to Geelong's senior list.

Geelong coach Chris Scott said the Cats had upgraded Ruggles so they could consider him at selection.

"He's close enough to the mark that we would like to have that option available to us," Scott said.