It doesn't take much for Bailey Ettridge to put things in perspective for himself while living out a dream and competing for a starting spot on Oregon football's makeshift practice fields outside the Ducks' in-progress state-of-the-art indoor practice facility aside Autzen Stadium.
Not even two years ago, the 28-year-old transfer punter was doing that same work in Australia — using torches and plasma cutters to size metal pieces, joining metals and doing various other construction work — though not on any projects of quite that scale.
"When I look out there, I'm like, I could still be doing that in Australia," Ettridge said. "I'm here on the other side, watching them do it, playing football."
One year ago, Ettridge had never played in front a crowd of over 500, had never played in a college football game and until halfway through 2025, had not truly considered punting in America as wholly viable.
The Geelong, Australia-born Ettridge had been playing Australia rules football since he was 5 years old and started work in construction at the age of 16.
#playing
Not even two years ago, the 28-year-old transfer punter was doing that same work in Australia — using torches and plasma cutters to size metal pieces, joining metals and doing various other construction work — though not on any projects of quite that scale.
"When I look out there, I'm like, I could still be doing that in Australia," Ettridge said. "I'm here on the other side, watching them do it, playing football."
One year ago, Ettridge had never played in front a crowd of over 500, had never played in a college football game and until halfway through 2025, had not truly considered punting in America as wholly viable.
The Geelong, Australia-born Ettridge had been playing Australia rules football since he was 5 years old and started work in construction at the age of 16.
#playing
2 months ago
