IT WAS another active AFLW Draft for Port Adelaide, with the South Australian side adding five top-age players across four states to its list. By doing so, the Power filled a variety of positional needs and look to continue their rise up the ladder in 2025.

>> EVERY PICK: National Draft | Recap

DRAFT HAUL

National Draft:

19. Lily Paterson
33. Jasmine Evans
40. Jemma Charity
48. Chloe Gaunt
52. Jasmine Sowden

Port Adelaide was tipped to look local for some of its picks, but did branch out to pick up a West Australian, Queenslander and Victorian to go with a pair of Croweaters. Up for was Swan Districts’ Lily Paterson, with the draft bolter enjoying a huge year and stepping up as an onballer after being a forward in the past. She starred for the Black Ducks at WAFLW level, then translated that form to the national championships. Paterson will add a bigger body around the coalface and clean skills to-boot.

A couple of local talents followed suit at Pick 33 and Pick 40, with National Academy member Jasmine Evans and the talented but injured Jemma Charity. Evans is more of a forward/midfielder with elite skills and decision making, while Charity was an All-Australian in 2023, before a serious knee injury put a line through the majority of her 2024 campaign. The former Eagles now Rooster in the SANFLW has played across all three lines as well, adding fantastic versatility for the Power.

Both players have spent significant time at senior level through the SANFLW and will be familiar with most of the Power list. Someone who will not be as familiar is Queenslander Chloe Gaunt. The Lions Academy member had interest outside of the Sunshine State with the National Draft Combine invitee actually not nominated by Brisbane. However it mattered little with Port taking the chance on the developing tall as a player to become a focal point up forward and through the ruck.

With the final selection just a few picks later, the Power snagged lifelong Port supporter Jasmine Sowden. The Gippsland Power midfielder/forward uses both sides of her body, has a slick sidestep and her defensive pressure is elite. She can go forward and hit the scoreboard, or find the ball consistently around the coalface.

In terms of readymade ability, Paterson is the clear standout. She has played at WAFLW over the last couple of seasons against senior bodies and could step straight in. Evans and Charity have too, but the former will be looking to further develop her endurance, while the latter is still recovering from that nasty knee injury. If both can tick those boxes off well, they have the senior experience. Gaunt is more of a long-term prospect, with Sowden definitely capable, and it will come down to how she fares over the off-season.