Eagles star and former Crows player Justin Cicolella heads to SMOSH West Lakes

FORMER Eagles star Justin Cicolella has returned to play football in Adelaide to he can spend more time with his family, including his baby daughter.

FORMER Eagles star Justin Cicolella says a desire to spend more time with family, in particular his five-month-old daughter, Asha, is behind his return to playing football in Adelaide.

Cicolella joined new team mates at SMOSH West Lakes for the first round of the amateur football league competition on Saturday (April 5).

Last year Cicolella worked and played in his home town of Port Wakefield and spent much of his time travelling.

He says playing part-time close to his Seaton home will keep him involved with his beloved sport and still allow plenty of time for family.

“It’s much better to be home at the moment,” Cicolella says.

“I love getting to spend time with Asha and having a laugh and a play.

“At this stage I get to be part of all the good things in her life.”

A fisherman by trade, he will still commute to the seaside town a few days a week, but spend the bulk of his time at home.

Cicolella played more than 260 games for Woodville-West Torrens – including the 2006 and 2011 premierships – before retiring in 2012.

He expects to play only a light schedule this year.

“I’m looking forward to the season but I’ll only be playing a few games – nothing serious,” he says.

“I’ve met a few really good guys there (at SMOSH) and I always enjoy the camaraderie of being in a team.

“It seems like a really good family club.”

SMOSH senior coach Lucas Stubing says the team is delighted to have Cicolella on board.

“It’s just exciting to have someone like Cica around the place,” Stubing says.

“Having someone with that experience at the club is huge.

“It will help the other guys learn more about the game and I’m sure his on field contribution will be really good as well.”