With such a rich history behind it, the blue and white Hoops tend to be a natural fit for so many players and for new recruit, Jordan Ridley, that was no different. 

Donning the guernsey for the first time after Geelong's trade with Essendon during the week, the star defender familiarised himself with GMHBA Stadium on his inaugural visit as a Cat. 

It was not the 27-year-old's first visit to Kardinia Park, having played three games at the venue as a Bomber, but this one carried a little extra weight after the exchange was made official on Wednesday. 

Ready to make an immediate impact and searching for a fresh start, Ridley said there were plenty of mixed emotions around the move, but a true sense of anticipation for what lies ahead. 

"It feels very strange, I haven't spent a lot of time here or played many games here, but I am really excited to be here," Ridley said. 

"It certainly hasn't sunk in yet, it has only been 24 hours now. I have been really looking forward to this happening, and I am so glad it has turned out the way it has. 

"It is a bittersweet feeling, it is a weird one. I was obviously at Essendon for 10 years and have a lot of love for the place, a lot of love for the people there.

"It is certainly sad leaving there, but also there is so much excitement for a fresh start and doing something new.

"I just can't wait to get started."

After a decade at the Hangar, Ridley was committed to opening a new chapter in his AFL journey when the trade period commenced, opting for a move down the highway to Geelong. 

He brings with him an impressive resume that includes a best and fairest, selection in the 2020 All Australian squad and two selections in the 22Under22 team. 

Despite his strong ties and history with Essendon, the impressive defender said there were a number of factors that helped to lure him to the Cattery.   

"There was a few reasons," Ridley admitted. 

"I think one thing is that I was keen for a full, fresh start and not to be in Melbourne.

"It is just something a bit different, I think the way the lifestyle was sold to me was really impressive, and something I am really looking forward to. I don't really have any idea of what I am going to do in that space yet, but we will figure that out.

"But I think also, just the track record in terms of success, and the medical and high performance is really impressive. It was something that was really attractive for me."

At his best, Ridley has proven to be one of the game's best lockdown and intercepting defenders, ranking third in the AFL for intercept marks in 2020 and leading the Bombers in that category over a four year span. 

His career has not been without its challenges, with an injury-interrupted stretch limiting to just 26 AFL games over the last three years.

But Ridley is confident about what he can bring to Geelong, looking forward to settling into the Cats' defensive structure and learning from some of their champions down back. 

"I think they have probably been the benchmark for a long time now," Ridley said. 

"I have long admired the way they defend and the way they have gone about it, so to be a part of that will be awesome.

"In terms of players I am excited to play with, you can't go past Tom Stewart I would say.

"He is someone that I have really looked up to for probably the last five to seven years now, so to play alongside him will be really exciting."

The draw of playing under and learning from Chris Scott was another factor for Ridley, who explained that his philosophy was something that really stood out during the process. 

"Just how collaborative he is and how open he is to how you feel you play your best footy," Ridley noted. 

"I think that is a really exciting thing, you can sort of steer the ship to an extent, obviously within the guardrails.

"But clearly he has been at the top of his game for a long time now, and it will be really great to work with him."

Jordan Ridley is a Cat, now it’s your turn! Be there for every moment in 2027 with a Geelong Cats membership.