SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Double Blues heading into the 2024 Hostplus SANFL Women’s League season.
Finished – 4th
Record – 6 wins, 6 losses (minor round)
1 loss (finals)
Best and Fairest – Kate Harris
Runner Up – Georgia Bevan
Third Place – Gemma Valente
The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year – Kate Harris (Captain, Centre), Georgia Swan (Half-Back Flank), Isobel Kuiper (Interchange)
COMING
Natasha Christophers (Morphettville Park), Shanique West (Reynella), Lily Smart (Sturt juniors), Summer Ross (Sturt juniors), Zina Hunt (Sturt juniors), Skout Young (Sturt juniors)
GOING
Georgia Bevan (retired), Ally Ladas (retired), Elsie Dawes (travel overseas), Alex Pearce (Glenelg), Erini Gikas (Woodville-West Torrens)
Round 1
Saturday March 2
Eagles v Sturt at Eastern Parade Reserve – 1pm
Round 2
Saturday March 9
Glenelg v Sturt at Hisense Stadium – 2.20pm
Round 3
Saturday March 16
West v Sturt at Hisense Stadium – 6pm
Round 4
Sunday March 24
Central v Sturt at X Convenience Oval – 12pm
Round 5
Friday March 29
Sturt v Norwood at Thebarton Oval – 12pm
Sturt has never sought to sign many players from outside its zone but the arrival of Shanique West addresses a need for mature-age experience.
With the departure of senior players Georgia Bevan, Ally Ladas and Elsie Dawes, West will provide some strength in one-on-one contests as well as some versatility.
Likely to be played through the midfield and attack, the 22-year-old booted 19 goals from 12 games in the Southern Football League last year whilst also the League at Association level.
Troubled by niggly injuries this time last year, India Rasheed has enjoyed a healthy preseason build up for the 2024 season.
And that should be exciting for Sturt fans as well as coach Michael O’Connor, who plans to use the talented 17-year-old through the midfield and in attack this season.
Boasting great football intelligence and sublime skills, Rasheed will be looking to impress with the Double Blues, as well as the SA U18 team in 2024.
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