Bulleen seal Shields, Dudley-Smith double coup

by Mark Gojszyk 0

Image: Man in the Stands/Rachel Bach

Bulleen Lions have bolstered their NPLW squad with the additions of Emily Shields and Britt Dudley-Smith from Box Hill United and Southern United respectively.

Strengthening opposite ends of the pitch, Dudley-Smith will add firepower up front for the Lions, while Shields will be called upon to spot the goals between the sticks.

Shields had a breakthrough season in 2016 that led to a W-League gig with Melbourne City.

Signed as the successor to Melissa Barbieri at Box Hill United last year, she grabbed the opportunity with both hands, putting in a standout season that led to TCF selecting her in the Team of the Season.

Prior to that the American-born custodian had spent numerous years at Yarra Jets, where she helped the club rise through the state leagues since her arrival in Australia.

Dudley-Smith meanwhile is a familiar face in Victorian, with the New Zealand youth international turning out for the likes of Casey Comets, South Melbourne and Southern United.

Featuring for the Casey Comets from 2012-14 after moving to Australia, her form there led to a provisional contract with the Melbourne Victory as one of their three international signings for the 2012-13 W-League season, but that fell through.

She also had a short stint at University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) before returning down under.

Dudley-Smith signed for South Melbourne in 2015 where she played a key role in the squad that won the WPL Championship, scoring 20 times along the way.

The striker then moved to Southern United as the consortium received an NPLW licence for 2016, netting eight times in a season that was interrupted by injury.

The duo join Liv Edwards at David Barro Stadium, who returns to the club after a stint with Ashburton/Alamein.

Bulleen have also previously announced the re-signings of eight key squad members, with Alex Natoli, Caitlin Friend, Lia Privitelli, Liv Ellis, Tessa Sernio, Emily Dolzan, Liana Iaconis and Charlee West all committing for 2017.