SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Bulldogs heading into the 2024 Hostplus SANFL Women’s League season.
Finished – 1st
Record – 9 wins 3 losses (minor round)
2 wins 1 loss (finals)
Best and Fairest – Shelby Smith
Runner Up – Caitlin Wendland
Third Place – Caitlen Teague
The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year – Caitlen Wendland (Forward Pocket), Katelyn Rosenzweig (Full Forward), Elaine Grigg (Half Forward Flank), Georgia Madigan (Back Pocket), Shelby Smith (Interchange), Ben Hunt (Coach)
COMING
Caitlin Wendland (returned/Brisbane Lions AFLW), Elizabeth Wilson (Willaston), Jessica Axford (returned/netball/swimming), Ainslee Knight (returned/indoor cricket), Kyesha Christensen (returned), Letisha Ackland (North Adelaide), Neave Delaney (Woodville-West Torrens)
GOING
Elaine Grigg (Western Bulldogs AFLW), Jessie Sanford (Woodville-West Torrens), Nicola Biagi (West Adelaide), Bonnie Dodds (South Adelaide), Teagan Robins (North Adelaide)
Round 1
Friday March 1
Norwood v Central at Coopers Stadium – 7.40pm
Round 2
Saturday March 9
Central v Eagles at X Convenience Oval – 1.30pm
Round 3
Saturday March 16
Central v Glenelg at X Convenience Oval – 11.30am
Round 4
Sunday March 24
Central v Sturt at X Convenience Oval – 12pm
Round 5
Friday March 29
North v Central at Prospect Oval – 11.30am
Few south of the city would have heard of Elizabeth Wilson yet but by the middle part of the season, Central’s mature-age recruit should be well known.
Having dominated the Barossa Women’s League with Willaston, Wilson is expected to be among the Round 1 selections when premiership coach Ben Hunt settles on his opening line-up.
Equally influential in front of goal as she is from the midfield, the former East Coast Eagle not only won last year’s Barossa League best-and-fairest but also the Leading Goalkicker award.
Charlotte Riggs is among a host of talented teens set to continue their rapid rise at Central District in 2024.
A reliable key defender, the 17-year-old was a crucial pillar in the Bulldogs’ inaugural premiership team as she read the play with ease in the backline.
Riggs is also considered to be a selfless team member having earned last year’s Best Team Person award and placing fourth in the best-and-fairest.
Sign up to see all the news from around the SANFL each week – directly in your inbox!