An Australian rules footballer from Geelong has traded the oval ball for the pigskin, securing a coveted spot with one of American college football's most iconic programs. Bailey Ettridge, a former local talent, is now making waves as a punter for the University of Oregon Ducks, marking a stunning rise in the competitive US sporting landscape.
From Local Grounds to American Fields
Ettridge's journey began not on the gridiron, but on the Australian rules fields of Victoria. His powerful left foot was first honed in the familiar surrounds of local Geelong football. The transition to American football was not a lifelong dream, but rather an opportunity spotted and seized. His big break came after a standout performance at a Prokick Australia camp in Melbourne, an academy renowned for turning Aussie kickers into US college stars.
The path wasn't immediate. Ettridge first landed at Blinn College, a junior college in Texas, for the 2023 season. This served as a crucial proving ground. There, he showcased the powerful and spiralling punts that American coaches covet, averaging an impressive 43.6 yards per punt. This performance didn't go unnoticed, putting him on the radar of top-tier NCAA programs.
Securing the Ducks Scholarship
The call from the Oregon Ducks represented the pinnacle of this rapid ascent. Oregon, a program known for its cutting-edge facilities, passionate fanbase, and history of success, offered Ettridge a full scholarship. For the young Australian, it was the ultimate validation of his risky cross-code switch. He officially signed with the Ducks in December, ready to take on the Pac-12 conference.
Ettridge credits the specialised training at Prokick Australia for his technical development. The academy, co-founded by former AFL player Nathan Chapman, has become a production line for punters, focusing on the unique skills needed to master the American game. His current focus is on mastering the "Aussie-style" roll-out punt, a technique that adds unpredictable bounce and is highly valued for pinning opponents deep in their own territory.
A New Chapter in Eugene
Now immersed in life in Eugene, Oregon, Ettridge is adapting to the intense demands of a top college football program. His days are a blend of rigorous training, film study, and academic commitments. The scale of the sport in America has been a revelation, with the Ducks' Autzen Stadium capable of holding over 54,000 roaring fans—a far cry from his local grounds back home.
The future is bright for the Geelong export. As the Ducks' new punter, he is poised to play a key role in the team's special teams unit for the upcoming season. His story adds another chapter to the growing legacy of Australian punters in college football, proving that with a powerful leg and the right guidance, talent from Aussie rules can find a spectacular home on the American gridiron.
Ettridge's move to the Oregon Ducks is more than just a personal triumph; it highlights the increasing global pipeline of sporting talent. He follows in the footsteps of other successful Australian punters like Mitch Wishnowsky and Michael Dickson, who have used the college system as a springboard to professional careers in the NFL.
