FREELING Football Club has appointed former Port Adelaide premiership star and Barossa District dual flag-winning coach Roger James as its coach for the 2020 Barossa, Light & Gawler A-grade football season.

James, who led the Bulldogs to premierships in 2012 and 2013, was the Redlegs’ assistant coach to Scott Dutschke in 2019 as the club made the finals.

Freeling president Craig Trestrail said James will add plenty to the club as its senior coach.

“Roger is no stranger to the game and will bring his wealth of experience to the role and enthusiasm in developing the side and our junior talent coming through the ranks,” he said.

“His elevation from his previous role at Freeling comes after extensive consultation, and marks a new direction in Freeling’s coaching structure.”

He also confirmed Dutschke will remain at the club as a player, and part of the Redlegs’ leadership group.

Meanwhile, Freeling will for the first time be participating in women’s football next season, after it appointed Tor Eaton as its women’s football co-ordinator.

“Tor will be working to develop women’s football at Freeling, and exploring the wealth of opportunities that exist in that space,” Mr Trestrail said.

The club is continuing its search for a reserves coach and a junior development co-ordinator.