Central’s Need for Speed

By ZAC MILBANK

Central District coach Jeff Andrews is challenging his charges physically and mentally as he looks to make speed a key component of his gameplan in 2020.

Now with a firmer grip on his personnel after replacing premiership mentor Roy Laird in October, Andrews put his men through a demanding camp in Victor Harbor on the weekend.

Players were afforded minimal sleep in their swags on the Oval while the extreme humidity, heat and rain gave Andrews the perfect conditions to test the character of his playing group.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Andrews said creating the testing environment was aimed at having his side in peak condition for the trial match period in March.

Building fitness was also a key component of the Bulldogs session at X Convenience Oval this week as Andrews seeks to make the club’s home venue a ”fortress” again by running the opposition of its feet.

Central’s two star recruits – Daniel Menzel and James Boyd – will also assist with this mandate, with both experienced campaigners looking in fine condition.

Andrews said he plans to use Menzel predominantly in attack with spurts in the centre square while Boyd will use his outstanding aerobic capacity to find the footy at will for the Bulldogs.

Youthful signings Jackson and Ben Kelly – the sons of Brownlow Medallist Paul Kelly – are settling in nicely after relocating from Wagga Wagga, with Andrews suggesting they attack the ball with the same ferocity as their father.

Veteran SANFL 200 Club Members Trent Goodrem and Kyle Jenner are having their training loads managed during summer, with an announcement on the Bulldogs’ leadership group imminent.