Port Adelaide’s seven draftees arrived at Alberton Oval on Thursday, including Gippsland Power winger and Port’s number five pick, Yasmin Duursma.
After being selected at the NAB AFLW Draft the evening prior, Duursma and brother Xavier became the first brother-sister combination to play at Port Adelaide, securing their own little piece of history.
Describing the joy of joining her big brother in South Australia, Duursma spoke to the Adelaide media, alongside her fellow draftees.
“Look, it still hasn’t really sunk in, it doesn’t quite feel real yet,” she said.
“I always wanted to end up at Port and follow Xavier’s footsteps. I can’t wait to meet the girls and get to know them a bit better. I just can’t wait to make new friends (here) and slot into the team.”
When asked if she had a goal celebration similar to that of her brother’s famous bow and arrow, the 18-year-old broke into laughter.
“God no! He can do what he likes, I’ll do what I like,” she chuckled.
Duursma and her new teammates donned black Port polos, before changing into full playing kit for photos, in and around the beautiful new women’s facility at Alberton.
Number one South Australian pick Hannah Ewings admitted it was a surreal feeling pulling on the gear, as she glowed about the club on her first official day as a Port Adelaide player.
“It’s amazing…these ladies are amazing as players and as people,” Ewings said.
“It’s amazing to be given this opportunity, everyone has worked so hard and I can’t wait to get stuck in.
“To see the amount of effort they’ve put into this club is great. I’ve heard nothing but good things (about the team) and the culture.”
Head of AFLW Juliet Haslam and list manager Naomi Maidment were on hand to welcome the septet, while an enthusiastic playing group also popped in, including Maggie MacLachlan, Abbey Dowrick, Hannah Dunn and Kate Surman, just to say hello.
Maidment couldn’t wipe the smile off her face as she watched the group settle in.
“I couldn't be more excited to welcome these seven amazing players to join Port Adelaide's inaugural women's list,” she said.
“I'm so excited to be able to say that we now have a full squad of 30 contracted female players joining us at Alberton.”
In addition to Ewings and Duursma, Port Adelaide selected Sarah Goodwin, Sachi Syme, Ella Boag, Amelie Borg and Lily Johnson at the Draft.
