SANFL Coach Catch-Up – Central’s Jeff Andrews

By ZAC MILBANK

Central District star Travis Schiller is a faint chance to play in Round 1 of the Statewide Super League against Sturt at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

The Bulldogs ball-magnet was poised to miss the first half of the season with a serious foot injury but the break has benefited Schiller, who is suddenly in the mix to confront the Double Blues from 11.50am.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Central coach Jeff Andrews said while the door was slightly ajar for Schiller to return this weekend, it was more likely he would lace up the boots against West in Round 2 on Sunday July 5.

The younger Schiller sibling ”had a big smile on his face” after completing his first full training session with the Bulldogs on Monday night, Andrews said.

While the Bulldogs will be without interstate recruits Matt Neagle and Jai Nanscawen who have headed home due to employment opportunities surrounding the Covid-19 shutdown, two replacements have been inked ahead of Round 1.

Victorian pair Cameron Wild (18, 185cm, 84kg from Murray Bushrangers) and Jack Toner (20, 176cm, 72kg from Dandenong Stingrays) have almost completed their isolation periods after initially planning to play in the VFL this season.

Wild, the son of former Collingwood utility Jason Wild, is a well-built wingman while Toner is a small defender aiming to push into the centre square.

Andrews also revealed Troy Menzel had been inspired by the arrival of older brother Daniel this season, declaring the former Crow is in the ”best nick he’s been in for a long time” after playing strongly in a trial match last weekend.

AFL Draft prospect Corey Durdin is poised to thrive working alongside both Menzels at various stages inside the Dogs’ attacking 50m arc.