2021 Central District Pocket Profile

SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Bulldogs heading into the 2021 Statewide Super League season.

Finished – 7th

Record – 3 wins, 10 losses, 1 draw

Norm Russell Medallist – James Boyd

Leading Goal Kicker – Justin Hoskin (22)

Most Disposals – James Boyd (430)

The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year – James Boyd (interchange)

Coming
Harry Grant (Queanbeyan/GWS Academy), Aiden Grace (Glenorchy/Geelong VFL), Matt Neagle (returned), Dylan Morton (Glenelg/Wagga Tigers), Jamie Coff (Woodville-West Torrens), Dallas Hill (returned), Tom Graham (Oakleigh Chargers), Jaxon Neagle (returned), Billy Iles (Keilor), Jake Sutton (Waratahs/Coburg), Jacob Templeton (returned/NT Thunder)

Going
Daniel Menzel (Woodville-West Torrens), Troy Menzel (Woodville-West Torrens), Trent Goodrem (retired), Kyle Jenner (retired/Nuriootpa), Corey Durdin (Carlton), Murray Stephenson (Wagga Tigers), John Butcher (Maffra/Hamley Bridge), Sam Milne (retired/RSMU), Ryan Falkenberg (Sydney), Sam Hanna (work/family), Jack Toner (VFL), Nick Madden (Nuriootpa), Isaya McKenzie (Willaston), Frazer O’Gorman (Stawell)

Saturday March 13
Central District v Norwood at X Convenience Oval – 2.10pm (Reserves at 11.30am)

Saturday March 20
South Adelaide v Central District at Flinders University Stadium – 2.10pm (Reserves at 11.30am)

Friday March 26
Central District v Sturt at X Convenience Oval – 7.55pm (Reserves at 5.45pm)

Aiden Grace boasts an impressive State League resume, earning Tasmanian Football League Team of the Year selection in 2019 after claiming the Peter Hudson Medal as Leading Goalkicker. The Clarence Football Club product also played with Geelong’s VFL side while also leading the goal kicking for the Geelong Football League playing for St Mary’s. Mature-age at 23 and measuring in at 189cm, Grace should boost the Bulldogs’ potency in 2021.

Recruited from the GWS Academy, Harry Grant has been quick to impress by leaving his new teammates in his wake during the Bulldogs’ 2km time trials. The nuggety midfielder will be looking to force his way into Central’s chief centre square rotation as he pushes his case for a place on an AFL list. Should provide solid support for the Schiller brothers – Jarrod and Travis – in the clinches.

Isaiah Dudley (167cm and 69kg) – Classy small forward who knows where the goals are. Uses his natural elusiveness to his advantage to shrug off defenders.

Luca Whitelum (187cm and 77kg) – Mobile medium forward who has very good skills in the air and at ground level.

Cody Cilchrist (200cm and 87kg) – Developing tall forward/ruck. Still learning his craft, including how to position his body to advantage. Strong mark inside 50m.

Shay Linke (190cm and 79kg) – Tall inside midfielder who is strong in the air and has a nice first touch when gaining possession.