Westies aiming for the next step in 2022

By ZAC MILBANK

A new-look West Adelaide is ready to take the next step for the 2022 SANFLW season.

Succumbing to Glenelg in the 2021 SANFLW Grand Final, the Bloods insist they remain in the hunt despite losing superstar utility Lauren Young to a season-ending knee injury at training last month.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, West coach Mark Moody said Young has retained her trademark bubbly attitude since twisting her knee in an unfortunate training mishap.

Moody is energised by the signings of delisted West Coast Eagle Beatrice Devlyn and Norwood utility Jessica Macolino while a pair of Tasmanians – Lily Johnson and Ebony Barrenger – have also landed at Hisense Stadium.

As many as 70 players were invited out to pre-season training, with Moody impressed by several local recruits, including three from Broadview in Renee Freeman, Ella Summers and Astrid Powell.

The Bloods have announced Madi Russell as their new captain for 2022, with last season’s skipper Bec Owen having next year off as she prepares to give birth to her second child.

The absence of fellow leadership group members Zoe Greer (recovering from an ACL injury) and Kasia Culhane (retired) will also ensure new faces appear in the Bloods’ 2022 leadership group.

They include vice-captain Ashlea James and leadership group members Jessica Macolino, Nicole Hooper, Keeley Kustermann and Tiarna Harfield.