THE SANFL Women’s competition enters its ninth season in 2025, starting this weekend, with two games on Saturday, March 15, and Central District playing Glenelg in their season opener at X Convenience Stadium, Elizabeth starting at 12pm, on Sunday, March 16.
Central Broken Hill Magpies star Shelby Raven will enter her third season as a member of the Central District’s Dog Pack.
In her opening season, Raven was part of the premiership run, playing all 11 games, including their thrilling grand final win, where the Bulldogs got home in the final minute of the game by three points, 4.7 (31) to 4.4 (28).
Last year, Raven played six games at SANFLW league level, and also donned the red, white and blue in a handful of games at development league level.
A creative half forward and winger, now 27, Raven is expected to play roles this year across half forward and on a wing.
“She has hit some good form,” CDFC senior coach Ben Hunt told the Broken Hill Times.
“Last year, Shelby has an interrupted pre-season, with some injury niggles.
“Shelby is back to her 2023 form and was really good against West Adelaide.
“She has adapted to the half-forward role well, when used in that role.”
Raven confirmed the 2024 campaign didn’t go as she hoped.
“I’m looking to step up again this year after our success in ’23,” she confirmed in a pre-season chat.
“It is always hard to back up after a premiership year and enjoying that success in my first season with Central District.
“There is a good vibe around the club currently and the group have high hopes for this season.
“I felt there were a number of positives to come out of the trials, especially what we did against West.
“This year I feel like more of a senior player in the squad, with a number of youngsters coming in during the pre-season.
“We’re mentally prepared for ’25 which helps as well.”
Raven also played a handful of games at the end of the ‘24 calendar year for the Golden Grove Kookaburras in the SA amateur league.
She also played three years for the northern zone in the South Australian Country Football Championships in 2019, the 2021 title-winning side, and again in 2022.
She had an extensive career in the BHFL women’s competition with Central Broken Hill, before venturing down to Adelaide, enjoying six premierships.
She is a dual winner of the Jane Corey Medal (BHFLW best and fairest award) in 2015 and 2022
Footnote – the Broken Hill Women’s league started in 2012, being regarded as one of the earliest women’s rural competitions in the nation, played on a Saturday.
