The tide of players returning to Cootamundra has continued with Jordyn Ballard back with the club.
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The Bulldogs junior has spent the last two seasons with Group Nine rivals Temora, but following the trend is back with his former club.
Incoming Cootamundra coach Glen Buttriss was thrilled to have the classy fullback on board.
“It will be awesome to have big Jordy back there,” Buttriss said.
“I’m looking forward to it.
“Being a local junior and all I think everyone is excited to back him back at the Dogs next year.”
While fullback is a good fit, Buttriss believes he is versatile enough to play anywhere in the back line if called upon.
A shoulder injury derailed Ballard’s season.
After dislocating his shoulder in the pre-season, Ballard re-injured it in the round three clash against Young in April and didn’t play another game for the Dragons
The shoulder injury also cost him a place in the Riverina under 23s team, but has he been selected in the squad for 2018.
However after undergoing surgery at the end of the football season, Cootamundra hope Ballard will be right for the start of the season.
“I haven’t talked to him about it too much, but apparently it is coming along pretty good,” Buttriss said.
“Hopefully he will be good to go in round one.
“He (had surgery) six to eight weeks ago but is coming along well.”
Ballard made his first grade debut in 2012 before going through the Canberra Raiders junior system.
He returned for one season with Cootamundra before linking with the Dragons.
He joins Chris Maher in switching back to the club after stints in Temora.
The Bulldogs have been one of the busiest movers throughout the off-season and are still looking to lock in more signatures.
They’ve also locked in their Rookie of the Year Travis Sheppard and are expected to fill all five grades for the first time in years.