NO longer is it normal for Hampden league players to double up as cricketers in the summer.
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But one Warrnambool footballer is juggling both in a return to full-time cricket with new club Dennington.
Luke Cody, who managed a handful of division two games for West Warrnambool over the past two seasons, has shifted to the kennel and is looming as a key player for Dustin Drew's side.
Workmate Xavier Beks - son of Dogs stalwart Terry - was key in securing Cody's services.
"It's good fun. I've enjoyed it so far - it's definitely a different vibe," he said.
"This is probably the first year I've had a fair crack at it over the past four years or so.
I'm just excited and looking forward to it, especially that we've been able to get our first win on the board.
- Luke Cody
"I'm just excited and looking forward to it, especially that we've been able to get our first win on the board."
Cody played junior and senior cricket at East Bentleigh in Melbourne's south-east before moving to the south-west four years ago.
He managed 12 games for West Warrnambool over the past three seasons but prioritised football pre-seasons with Hampden league outfit Warrnambool.
His Dennington debut - a two-run win over reigning premier Brierly-Christ Church - featured no wickets but conceded just 18 runs from his nine overs of bowling in a promising display.
"Bat, bowling and definitely my fielding as well (are what I want to bring to the team)," he said.
"I want to bring a bit of everything if I can. Whatever I can do to help us get a few more wickets and a few more runs. If we can get a few more wins, I'll be happy."
He felt he'd settled in to life at his new club.
"It's been a pretty easy transition really," Cody told The Standard.
"I didn't really know what to expect. It's always a bit weird coming to a new club but knowing someone like Xave has been a bit easier.
"There are some good blokes about."
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Cody is one of four recruits expected to bolster Dennington's chances this summer.
Sri Lankan trio Damith Indika, Tharanga Fernando and Telge Peiris also linked up and have strengthened the club's batting and bowling stocks.
"I don't know too much about who was here or anything last season but by all reports we've managed to get some of the Sri Lankan boys back and that's good," Cody said.
"Getting recruits in is always a good thing. It means there is competition for places and that's just always a good thing."
Dennington will face off against Woodford on Saturday on Bushfield Recreation Reserve's hard wicket.
Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
