Pudney powers his way to 100 Hostplus SANFL League games

By ZAC MILBANK

Central District’s Kai Pudney is the first to admit he needed a fresh start on his journey to 100 Hostplus SANFL League games. 

The Bulldogs’ hard-running wingman only managed five League matches with Woodville-West Torrens in 2023 due to a serious ankle injury.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 26-year-old revealed it was the catalyst for him to make the move north to continue his career at Elizabeth.

Arriving at the Ponderosa for the start of the 2024, Pudney has since been patrolling the wide expanses of X Convenience Oval whilst entrenching himself in the Doggies League outfit.

Boasting an incredible aerobic capacity, Central’s No.3 is a genuine line-breaker for the Dogs whilst also playing his role in helping usher in the new era of those in red, white and blue.

Set to reach triple figures when Central hosts Glenelg on Saturday, Pudney began his footy career with his local club, Port District.

From there, he progressed up through the U16s and U18s at the Eagles, featuring in an U18 premiership under master mentor Shane Reardon in 2018.

This was also the same year Pudney was a member of South Australia’s title-winning team at the AFL National Championships, playing alongside Connor Rozee, Jack Lukosius, Izak Rankine and current Norwood skipper Jacob Kennerley.

After a season on the Power’s rookie list in 2019, in which he made his Hostplus SANFL League debut with the Magpies, Pudney then played in the Eagles’ 2020 Reserves premiership before earning his place in the club’s 2021 League flag.