BEFORE he arrived at Simonds Stadium on Friday for his first tour of the place as a Geelong player, Jared Rivers had few good memories of the Cats' home ground.
During his 10 seasons with Melbourne he played seven games at the venue, but headed back down the highway as a winner just once.
Last year he was part of the Demons' team that travelled down to Geelong and lost by 186 points, costing Dean Bailey his job as coach in the process.
However, Rivers should no longer endure sleepless nights before matches at the Cattery.
Having joined Geelong as a free agent on his 28th birthday, the 192cm defender will now be on the home side.
Suddenly, the Cats' record of 42 wins from their past 44 games at Simonds Stadium looks mightily attractive.
"Over the last few years it's definitely been a bit challenging (at Melbourne) - more mentally than physically," Rivers said after donning a navy blue and white polo shirt on Friday morning.
"But Melbourne was great for me for 10 years, and I've got a lot of close mates there that I'm going to keep in contact with."
Rivers has played in just 21 wins since the start of the 2007 season.
Compare that to Joel Selwood, who has played in 111 victories in the same period.
"I just can't wait to have some success, hopefully," Rivers said.
"I still think Geelong has got a really good list and a good core of older players, and the young guys coming through are outstanding.
"I think they've still got a real crack at winning a premiership, and I'm excited by that."
Rivers, who grew up in the rural South Australian town of Port Augusta, is already good friends with Geelong half-back Andrew Mackie.
The pair spent a prank-filled year together at Sacred Heart College in Adelaide and have been mates ever since.
With Mackie's encouragement, the Cats targeted Rivers to help fill the hole in the backline left by retired champion Matthew Scarlett, although Rivers doesn't want people comparing him to 'Scarlo'.
"To say I'm going to play a similar role to Scarlett is ridiculous, I think," he stated.
"He's probably going to go down as one of the best full-backs of all time.
"I'm just really grateful for the opportunity that Geelong's given me.
"I'll play a role wherever I'm needed in the backline, alongside Harry (Taylor), Tommy (Lonergan), Corey (Enright) and all those great players."
Rivers spent time playing up forward for Melbourne during 2012, finishing the season with 13.10 to his name.
However, he's keen on staying in the backline next year.
"I didn't really enjoy it, to be honest," Rivers said.
"I'm a backman at heart, and I look forward to play alongside some great players.
"I'm 28, but I've still got a lot of improvement left in me as well, I reckon."
Adam McNicol covers Geelong news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_AdamMcNicol
