Southern league: James Pattinson to make football comeback with Doveton

Former Australian pacemen James Pattinson will play footy in the Southern league next season and he’s already got an idea of where he might line up.

James Pattinson will play football for Doveton in 2023. Picture: Facebook

We’re used to seeing James Pattinson tear through opposition batsman.

Now we’ll have to get used to him shutting down the opposition’s best forwards.

After being unveiled as a star recruit by Doveton in the Southern Football Netball League’s Division 2, the former Australian and Victorian paceman has revealed just where he might line up in 2023.

“When the coach rang me earlier this year and asked where I wanted to play, I said I play anywhere but I’m better in the backline – a bit like an Alex Rance type player,” he told SEN before bursting out with laughter.

“I played a lot of my junior footy at centre half back, a little bit in the ruck but I haven’t grow a lot since then so there will probably be a couple of boys a bit bigger than me.

“I’m hoping to try and get forward because that’s where the fun is at.

“I reckon they might start me down back.”

James Pattinson strikes for Australia.

The Pattinson name is well known at Doveton with James’ father John being club president in 2002-03 and brother Darren also playing footy at the Doves.

James Pattinson last played there in the 2007 under 18 grand final before fixing his focus on cricket and also once held the role of stats man.

During his radio, he revealed playing alongside his “best mate” Shannon Henwood was one of the reasons he linked up with the 2022 runner-up.

“It was sort of something I was always going to do once I finished cricket,” he said.

“I’ve got a couple of close mates that always play footy and I always said we’d always get back together and have a kick.

“I played a lot of junior football with them at Doveton and I’ve stayed really close with them throughout my cricket career.”

Pattinson played his junior football career at Doveton feeder club Narre Foxes, playing in a premiership under Doveton legend Steve Henwood.

But in 2023, Patto returns to AJ Robinson Reserve in a green and black football jumper.

“Can’t wait to have the big fella down,’’ Doveton senior coach Michael Cardamone said.

At 32, he’s still athletic enough to run around and get a kick — and has set his sights on playing in a senior flag.

Pattinson’s cricket career took in 21 Tests for Australia, taking 81 wickets, at 26.33.

“Out of the whites and back to the green and black jumper, Patto is super excited to be pulling on the boots again with some of his junior and senior teammates (sic) still playing at the club and is eager to play in a senior flag,” Doveton said on social media.