SANFLW Coach Catch-Up – Central’s Shaun Ribbons

By ZAC MILBANK

Expect a fierce Central District outfit to resume the Statewide Super Women’s League season on June 27 with a focus on tackling.

After starting the season with a win against Norwood in Round 1, the Bulldogs drifted away from their defensive-minded stance to lose their next two outings against North and Glenelg in convincing fashion.

And while there was some improvement in the loss to Sturt in Round 4, Central is well aware it has next to no margin for error given it will restart the season on the foot of the premiership table.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Bulldogs Women’s coach Shaun Ribbons said the group had reviewed their losses to understand a lift in defensive pressure was required for the remainder of 2020.

First-year star Shelby Smith, the daughter of former Bulldogs captain Greg Smith, has continued to impress during the enforced break, particularly with her fitness.

Smith posted a strong result in the club’s 1km time-trial challenge while Ribbons is also looking forward to the continued development of speedy midfielder Latiah Huynh.

Match-winning forward Katelyn Rosenzweig will be aiming to continue her early-season form which resulted in her kicking eight of her team’s nine goals for the season.

In another positive for the Bulldogs, Kimberley Fry, last year’s centre half-back of The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year, has returned in ”ripping condition”, according to Ribbons.