Former Redbacks cricketer Ben Dougall signs for Sturt Football Club

STURT Football Club has signed former Sheffield Shield cricketer Ben Dougall for the 2015 SANFL season.

Ben Dougall (Eastern Edge). Northern Mavericks v Eastern Edge. South Australian Premier League Cricket, at Park 25. (Stephen Laffer).

STURT Football Club has signed a former Sheffield Shield cricketer.

East Torrens batsman Ben Dougall, who has played two Shield matches and three one-dayers for SA, joined the Double Blues this week.

The 22-year-old left-hander gave up Aussie Rules – a sport in which he won two A-grade flags for River Murray Football League club Ramblers as a teenager – four years ago.

But he has decided to make a comeback after the Redbacks did not renew his contract earlier this year.

Double Blues football manager Paul Sandercock expected Dougall, an inside midfielder cum small forward, to juggle football and cricket.

“We had him in the mix a little bit and I know he played some junior footy at West Adelaide and they were keen on him as well,” Sandercock said.

“We’re aware of the fact he has a commitment with cricket as well and that’s fine.

“He’s obviously a bit rusty but seems to be enjoying it (football).”

Originally from Murray Bridge, Dougall trained with four AFL clubs this year.

He was hopeful of being recruited as a category-B rookie as someone who has not played football for at least three years.

When that did not happen, Sturt pounced.

“He’s pretty good mates with (Double Blues players) Levi Krause and Ben Hansen from Murray Bridge days so I think that might have helped us,” Sandercock said.

Dougall kicked 52 goals and was runner-up in the River Murray League’s Mail Medal count in 2010 – the same year he played for Australia at cricket’s under-19 World Cup.

He put his football plans on hold after making his one-day debut for SA the following summer.

Dougall has spent the past few winters playing cricket in England.

East Torrens coach Wayne Bradbrook hoped Dougall would not be lost to cricket, believing he still had a big future in the game.

“He’s a real natural talent,” Bradbrook said.

“It’d be a huge loss for us if he stopped playing cricket.”

Dougall could not be reached for comment.