Development the key for Andrews

By ZAC MILBANK

Incoming Central District coach Jeff Andrews will have a strong focus on player development as he takes on the task of succeeding premiership mentor Roy Laird at Elizabeth.

Signing on for three years in a full-time capacity, Andrews’ experience in educating and extracting the best out of young players is his strength, enhanced by spending 2019 as a senior assistant to Werribee coach Mark ”Choco” Williams in the VFL.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Andrews said he was itching to intimately know the Bulldogs players to speed up this process, which will be particularly important given the youthful profile of the list at Elizabeth.

He was also delighted premiership players Trent Goodrem and Kyle Jenner were reinvigorated to continue playing on next season as the SANFL 200 Club members would provide invaluable support to those making their way into senior ranks.

The Victorian was effusive in his praise and respect for Central District and the status of the SANFL competition, having followed it from afar across the border.

Andrews has identified adding outside speed to the playing group, noting the size of X Convenience Oval and Adelaide Oval requires players with high skill level and strong running power.

At this stage, all Bulldogs assistant coaches – including club great John Platten – have indicated they intend to continue on in 2020, with Andrews to discuss possible role changes whilst also filling the remaining coaching vacancies.