Sturt Striving for Success

By ZAC MILBANK

Sturt’s patient path to success is poised to take flight in 2022 as the Double Blues target a maiden finals berth.

Several exciting juniors from Sturt’s recruiting zone are set to filter through to senior ranks as the club continues on its process to largely promote from within.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Sturt Women’s coach Bruce Dawes said the likes of Jemma Valente (St Ignations), India Rasheed (Glenunga), Tahlia Walker (Hahndorf) and Abbey Rigter (Blackwood) were moving well on the training track.

Rasheed, the daughter of former Sturt player and tennis coach Roger Rasheed, is a neat left-footer while Walker possesses plenty of pace.

Rigter is much like her older sister Maya Rigter in being a fierce competitor, with Maya again appointed captain with Kate Harris her deputy for 2022.

The Double Blues will be looking for players with height to fill in the ruck void left by Jess Good’s departure to Carlton while star draftee Zoe Prowse will only be available when not selected by Adelaide’s AFLW team.

This could be offset by the access to Crows-listed Ange Foley, who was allocated Sturt in the SANFLW Mini-Draft while midfielder Georgia Bevan returns after a one-season stint with Gold Coast AFLW.

Dawes paid tribute to experienced retiring pair Casey Fraser and Louise Firth, with Fraser to remain at the club as a runner for next season.