Western Australian Julia Teakle has signed with Port Adelaide for the upcoming NAB AFLW season.
The 18-year-old has been a consistent performer for Northampton in the Great Northern Football League over the past three years, earning two league best and fairest titles.
Growing up in Geraldton, the skilled forward moved to Perth with her family in early 2022 to pursue university studies and expand her football opportunities.
Part of a talented footballing family, Teakle has been playing alongside sister Tiani at East Fremantle in the WAFL this year, while older brother Bohan plays for the Swan Districts reserves.
Teakle is excited to join Port Adelaide just days after her cousin Brynn was picked up by the club in the AFL mid-season draft.
“I’m really close with Brynn, we grew up living around the corner from each other,” she said.
“Him being at Port Adelaide now definitely played a part in my decision to come over. It makes me feel more comfortable moving interstate, knowing he will be there in case I needed him.
“I called him this afternoon to tell him and he was at the club and so stoked. I talked to him a little bit over the last week but it’s cool to now have it set in stone.”
Teakle is an eye-catching forward, who can also transition comfortably through the midfield.
Outside of football, the physiotherapy student values her education and will transfer her university studies to a South Australian-based institution.
“AFLW was always in the back of my mind and I had thought it would be pretty cool to play alongside some the best,” she said.
“Playing AFLW only really became a realistic thought for me once I moved to Perth. I’ve always wanted to move interstate too and being so young, it feels like a great opportunity to branch out and challenge myself. I’m really excited.”
Head coach Lauren Arnell is excited to welcome the talented teenager to Alberton.
“Julia is a skilled footballer with plenty of natural talent who has experienced lots of team and personal success over the past few years,” Arnell said.
“She was unlucky to not be picked up in the draft last year, but we are particularly excited about what she has to offer. It’s clear she has a bright future ahead of her and she will grow and develop really well in our system.”
When asked who she was most looking forward to playing alongside, Teakle barely hesitated.
“You can’t not say Erin Phillips!” she laughed.
“I also look up to Gemma Houghton because she is also a forward from WA. (Player development coach) Renee Forth has reached out to me a bit as well and she is from Geraldton, so I’m looking forward to getting to know her more.”
