PORT Adelaide’s season did not quite go to plan with the Power finishing 15th, picking up two wins and a draw throughout the 2023 AFL Women’s season. That disappointment was off-set by the arrival of the two best players in the draft, and another top 10 talent along with rising young gun Matilda Scholz who starred as an under-ager this season.

OFF-SEASON CHANGES

In: Lauren Young, Shineah Goody, Molly Brooksby (pre-listed), Kirsty Lamb, Pick 18, Pick 24, Pick 56
Out: Erin Phillips (retired), Maggie MacLachlan, Jade Halfpenny, Jade De Melo, Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap, Litonya Cockatoo-Motlap, Jacqui Yorston (delisted), Yasmin Duursma, Lily Johnson (traded), Pick 4, Pick 25, Pick 44

Draft Selections: 18, 24, 56, 64

There are not enough descriptive words to use that describe just how potent the inclusions of Lauren Young and Shineah Goody are going to be as the best two players in this year’s draft crop off to Alberton without even using a draft selection. Then gaining top 10 talent in her own right Molly Brooksby, trading in All-Australian Kirsty Lamb and retaining the top South Australian pick, it was like Christmas came early for Power fans. Bringing in those players meant a high turnover going out the door, with legend Erin Phillips retiring, and youngsters Yasmin Duursma and Lily Johnson traded to Victoria.

FIRST PICK

Possibly the easiest first pick to predict of all 18 clubs, Port Adelaide could not read out Piper Window‘s name fast enough on AFLW Draft night. The SANFL Women’s Best and Fairest winner and top ranked player of those remaining post-pre-listing, Window going at Pick 18 is an absolute steal.

The Glenelg young gun went to another level in 2023, and while her polish can improve, she is elite in so many areas. A contested beast with explosive speed and a high endurance base, Window can play inside midfield or up forward, and is just as good at ground level as she is in the air. One in contention for the Rising Star among the other Port recruits and top picks this off-season, Window will step straight into the side and have an impact, and is a future captain having led her star-studded state to its second consecutive national title.

REMAINING DRAFT CROP

Port Adelaide has another pick not long after its first, coming in at Pick 24. Though the Power would love to scoop up their fourth train-on from the club’s Academy in Brooke Boileau, she is all but Crows bound. Instead, Port has the option to look nationally and potentially pick up a slider out of the first round, or fill a need with a prospective pick.

Defensively, the Power might look at local tall defender Alissa Brook who is also tied through the Power Academy, as is winger, Holly Ifould due to their South Adelaide club ties. Central District defender Georgia Madigan is a readymade player who can step up in the back 50 and looms as a potential mature-age selection, as does South Adelaide’s Tiffany Copley, while slick Pioneers forward Keely Fullerton or Lions Academy wing/forward Jacinta Baldwick adds some class to the mix.

From a later pick if Port take it, they might add an extra tall to the mix, with Indiana Williams or Anjelique Raison great strong utilities, though might be off the board by then. Former Crow and SANFLW leading goalkicker Katelyn Rosenzweig is a readymade option to step into the side if required.

SUMMARY

Port Adelaide has recruited a stack of young talent with plenty of potential, so the Power can be flexible with their draft hand. They will bring in Window who makes it three from three in terms of the top ranked players in this draft crop, and ensures the Power give themselves the best opportunity to succeed long-term.