Central's 2024 SANFLW squad cool off in the pool during their pre-season training camp to the Riverland.
SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Bulldogs heading into the 2024 Hostplus SANFL Women’s League season.
Finished – 1st
Record – 9 wins 3 losses (minor round)
2 wins 1 loss (finals)
Best and Fairest – Shelby Smith
Runner Up – Caitlin Wendland
Third Place – Caitlen Teague
The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year – Caitlen Wendland (Forward Pocket), Katelyn Rosenzweig (Full Forward), Elaine Grigg (Half Forward Flank), Georgia Madigan (Back Pocket), Shelby Smith (Interchange), Ben Hunt (Coach)
Central skipper Shelby Smith with her 2023 best-and-fairest award.
COMING
Caitlin Wendland (returned/Brisbane Lions AFLW), Elizabeth Wilson (Willaston), Jessica Axford (returned/netball/swimming), Ainslee Knight (returned/indoor cricket), Kyesha Christensen (returned), Letisha Ackland (North Adelaide), Neave Delaney (Woodville-West Torrens)
GOING
Elaine Grigg (Western Bulldogs AFLW), Jessie Sanford (Woodville-West Torrens), Nicola Biagi (West Adelaide), Bonnie Dodds (South Adelaide), Teagan Robins (North Adelaide)
Central SANFLW players gather for a team selfie on their camp to the Riverland.
Round 1
Friday March 1
Norwood v Central at Coopers Stadium – 7.40pm
Round 2
Saturday March 9
Central v Eagles at X Convenience Oval – 1.30pm
Round 3
Saturday March 16
Central v Glenelg at X Convenience Oval – 11.30am
Round 4
Sunday March 24
Central v Sturt at X Convenience Oval – 12pm
Round 5
Friday March 29
North v Central at Prospect Oval – 11.30am
Few south of the city would have heard of Elizabeth Wilson yet but by the middle part of the season, Central’s mature-age recruit should be well known.
Having dominated the Barossa Women’s League with Willaston, Wilson is expected to be among the Round 1 selections when premiership coach Ben Hunt settles on his opening line-up.
Equally influential in front of goal as she is from the midfield, the former East Coast Eagle not only won last year’s Barossa League best-and-fairest but also the Leading Goalkicker award.
Mature-age recruit Elizabeth Wilson is expected to have an impact in 2024. Picture – Cory Sutton
Charlotte Riggs is among a host of talented teens set to continue their rapid rise at Central District in 2024.
A reliable key defender, the 17-year-old was a crucial pillar in the Bulldogs’ inaugural premiership team as she read the play with ease in the backline.
Riggs is also considered to be a selfless team member having earned last year’s Best Team Person award and placing fourth in the best-and-fairest.
Impressive defender Charlotte Riggs will be looking to continue her steep development in 2024. Picture – Cory Sutton
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