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Shelby Smith, daughter of ex-Central skipper Greg Smith, to captain the Bulldogs’ SANFLW side

Her father is a former captain and 100-gamer at Central District and now Shelby Smith is set to continue the family legacy.

Central District’s new SANFLW captain is Shelby Smith — the daughter of ex-Bulldogs skipper and former VFL player Greg Smith. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe
Central District’s new SANFLW captain is Shelby Smith — the daughter of ex-Bulldogs skipper and former VFL player Greg Smith. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Shelby Smith can’t remember too much about her father’s SANFL career with Central District.

She was only one when her dad, Greg – a former Bulldogs captain – hung up the boots.

But she can remember the club being like a second home, following Greg to all the club functions as a youngster and watching Central claim nine premierships in the 2000s.

The now 29-year-old will continue the family legacy at the club this year after being named captain of the Bulldogs’ women’s team.

She takes over from inaugural skipper Nicola Biagi.

New Central District SANFLW captain Shelby Smith. Smith is the daughter of ex-Bulldogs men’s captain Greg Smith. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe
New Central District SANFLW captain Shelby Smith. Smith is the daughter of ex-Bulldogs men’s captain Greg Smith. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“It was a nice surprise to be named captain,” Shelby said.

“My dad has not stopped smiling since I told him, he was the first person I called.

“It means a lot.

“When I was younger I used to go to Central all the time with Dad, we used to go watch games together and I never thought that women’s football would even be a thing.

“Dad was a gun – they called him the bionic man – and everyone who sees me play says we play very similar which is a really big honour.

“The club has made me who I am today a bit because it was part of my growing up and I am so honoured to wear the guernsey because it’s something Dad and I share.”

Shelby is preparing to kick off her second year at the kennel after signing with the Bulldogs from Adelaide Footy League women’s team Eastern Park and being one to watch in 2020.

She enjoyed a rapid rise in her inaugural campaign, despite it being disrupted by the COVID-19 enforced break, and was named on the interchange in the SANFLW Team of the Year.

“It was a massive goal of mine, when I saw Central started up a women’s team, to play for them,” she said.

New Central District SANFLW captain Shelby Smith with dad and ex-Bulldogs men’s league skipper Greg Smith. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe
New Central District SANFLW captain Shelby Smith with dad and ex-Bulldogs men’s league skipper Greg Smith. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“But I had just had my daughter, so I went and watched and then it was awesome to actually make the team last year.

“We've got a really good paying group, we are still a really young group but our development is getting better.”

Greg played 94 VFL games with South Melbourne/Sydney and Collingwood, before lining up in 100 SANFL matches with the Bulldogs, winning their best and fairest in 1988.

He captained the side during his final two seasons in 1991 and 1992.

Greg said it was great having Shelby follow in his footsteps and he was looking forward to watching her in action.

“I am pretty proud,” Greg, 63, said.

“Hopefully they do good this year.

“I just tell her to enjoy her footy.

“She’s an in and under player and as long as she doesn’t get hurt, she’ll be good.”

The SANFLW fixture is set to be released tomorrow.

Central District, meanwhile, announced last week it had secured a new major sponsor, with Peter Page Hyundai jumping on board for the next two seasons.

The family-owned car dealership has now taken on the Hyundai Franchise.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/sport/shelby-smith-daughter-of-excentral-skipper-greg-smith-to-captain-the-bulldogs-sanflw-side/news-story/802fb78a765b792ab002d2e85ae15a4f