Central District star Jarrod Schiller signs with Nuriootpa Rover for 2025 BLGFA season

A former SANFL captain will play for his hometown local SA footy club in season 2025 after retiring from the League level as a 250-gamer.

A former SANFL captain and 250-gamer has joined his hometown local SA footy club for season 2025.

Triple Central District Best and Fairest Jarrod Schiller, who played 255 SANFL League games for the Bulldogs and also captained the club, has returned to Nuriootpa Rover for the 2025 Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association season.

A dominant midfielder and forward utility, Schiller was one of the top targets for a number of local clubs this year.

The 32-year-old said his return to Nuriootpa was always the most likely outcome.

Jarrod Schiller has joined Nuriootpa Rover for BLGFA season 2025. Picture: David Mariuz

“I played my junior footy at Nuri and played cricket there well into my mid-20s and still had a lot of connections at the club,” Schiller said.

“They’d check in each year I got closer to retirement and while I did have a bit of a look around at a number of clubs I couldn’t say no to Nuriootpa at the end of the day.

“I knew it was probably the last season for me at SANFL level, especially with a lot of young guys coming through at Central District who I didn’t want to stand in the way of but the club is always going to be a huge part of my life and I’m now looking forward to a fresh start at Nuri.”

Schiller spent 15 years with Nuriootpa before joining Central District.

Schiller is chaired off after his 250th SANFL League game for Central District. Picture: David Mariuz

He said he was looking forward to playing his first senior game for the Tigers and helping the team to success after falling short for two seasons after their 2022 premiership.

“Playing footy more for enjoyment is something I’m really looking to as well as playing back home where it all began.

“I’ll look to bring some leadership on and off the field and just show the guys the way I go about it while also helping some of the young kids coming through to get the most out of themselves.

“At the moment it’s about getting my body ready, getting back to moving well and just playing some good footy.

“Hopefully we can win more than we lose and give ourselves a chance to play in and win a grand final.”