Former Collingwood tall target Ash Johnson has 'returned home' to SANFL club Sturt after departing West Coast's state-league setup.
Johnson, who was delisted by Collingwood for the season time in as many seasons after another injury-interrupted year in 2025, joined the Eagles on a two-year deal in November.
He trained with West Coast's AFL group ahead of Christmas before, according to Sturt, signalling his intent for a move back to South Australia with the reigning premiers.
The West Australian first reported last week 'personal reasons' were behind Johnson's exit from the Eagles without playing a game.
The 28-year-old was selected out of Sturt with Collingwood's no.3 pick of the 2021 mid-season draft adding to a whirlwind footy career complete with the play at the highest level.
'Sturt Football Club is excited to announce the return of past player Ash Johnson for the upcoming season," the Double Blues confirmed in an announcement.
'Ash had committed to the West Coast Eagles WAFL program for the 2026-2027 seasons. However, with a desire to return to South Australia and back to Sturt, new Football Manager Geoff Riddle successfully negotiated his release with West Coast to secure Ash's return to Unley.'
Raised in the Kimberley, Johnson's brief time at Sturt came after time spent playing locally, time spent with WAFL club Claremont's colts, in Victorian country leagues and local Adelaide footy.
Making his AFL debut in 2022, Johnson featured in 15 senior games the following year and finished with AFL 27 games played overall, booting 37 majors.
He twice kicked crucial majors and flew above the pack tacking big marks in blockbuster ANZAC Day and Sir Doug Nicholls Round contests against Essendon and Carlton in front of packed MCG crowds during 2023.
Unfortunately, Johnson missed out on the Pies' finals campaign towards a grand final triumph that year.
Injuries impacted his consistency in later seasons.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ash back to the Club and look forward to seeing him pull on the Double Blue guernsey once again" Sturt football manager Geoff Riddle said.
In their announcement, the club added 'Welcome home, Ash'.
Sturt claimed their 16th SANFL flag in 2025, having also finished on top of the ladder as minor premiers.
