Rachael Sporn comes from a decorated career in Australian basketball, as well as a successful business career in sport with roles at Sport Integrity Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee. Image: Matt Sampson.

The Port Adelaide Football Club has added Olympic champion Rachael Sporn OAM to its AFLW program in an off-field role.

Sporn’s role as Operations Manager is wide-reaching but will involve assisting the club’s Head of AFLW, Juliet Haslam, with operational matters and overseeing the logistics of the playing and coaching group.

After a decorated career in Australian basketball, including three Olympic medals, Sporn has forged a successful business career in sport with roles at Sport Integrity Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee.

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Sporn is excited by the opportunity to be involved in Port Adelaide’s AFLW program, with the club’s strong community and family values drawing her to the role.

“I certainly have had great respect for the Port Adelaide program for a long time, and in particular their great vision on and off the field,” said Sporn.

“It really resonates with me that Port Adelaide has great community and family values, which is an integral part of being a successful club.

“It’s pretty exciting with the redevelopment that is about to happen, we are going to have a world class sporting precinct here (at Alberton) and premium facilities for the AFLW female athletes.”

While she enjoyed a successful career in basketball, Sporn says she grew up loving football and is excited that females have the opportunity to play professional football in the AFLW competition.

“It’s exciting because it is another pathway for females. No matter what sport it is, if it gives an opportunity for girls to be out there doing physical activity, I’m all for it,” she said.

“I have an intense passion to develop and inspire the next generation of female athletes. I feel like I thrive in elite sporting environments and I really can’t wait to immerse myself in this elite sporting environment.”

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"I'm rapt to be here" Rachael Sporn joins AFLW program | PTV

Rachael Sporn joins the club as Operations Manager for our AFLW program.

Haslam said Sporn would be a valuable addition to her growing team, bringing great knowledge and understanding of what it takes to succeed in an elite sporting environment.   

“We are very excited to have someone of the calibre of Rachael Sporn join the Port Adelaide Football Club as AFLW Operations Manager,” Haslam said.

“Rachael has a strong professional and business background to add to her incredible sporting resume, where she is widely regarded as one of South Australia’s and Australia’s most talented athletes.

“With our inaugural playing group to take the park in just over nine months, Rachael will be a welcome addition to our team with the planning and preparation phase for our AFLW program in full swing.

“Rachael will bring a wealth of experience not only to her key role in operations but also with her knowledge and understanding of what it takes to succeed in an elite sporting environment.

“She is an outstanding person with excellent leadership qualities and I have no doubt that she will assist in driving a strong culture within our group.”

Sporn will commence her role at the club in mid-March.