PORT ADELAIDE leader Justine Mules has learned a lot about herself since landing at Port Adelaide in June.
The 27-year-old was voted by her peers as a member of the inaugural leadership group – something that she has taken in her stride.
Ahead of playing her 50th AFLW game this weekend, Mules reflected on how she has developed as a person, a player and a leader.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to believe in myself,” she said.
“The girls believe in me, so I guess I’ve got to believe in myself. They obviously put me here for a reason, to help the club and I’m just going to do that and deliver for them.
The milestone player admits her season seven pre-season has been an exciting, productive whirlwind.
“This pre-season has been the shortest one and (it’s) one I’m very, very grateful for,” Mules said.
“It literally feels like yesterday, meeting the full squad for the first time. It’s come around every quickly but we’re very excited and very honoured to be here and just can’t wait to run out with the girls on Saturday.”
Mules will be one of 12 players across the league to reach the 50-game milestone this weekend, however the achievement hasn’t quite struck her yet.
“One of my co-workers sat me down and said 'it's your 50th game – no pressure, no stress, just have fun' and that’s what I want to remind the girls, that we’re here to play footy but we’re here to have fun as well,” she said.
“It hasn’t sunk in just yet as to how big it really is (to play 50 games). I’ve been playing footy for – well, my entire journey has been seven seasons now – and it hasn’t sunk in just yet, 50 games. It’s just a massive whirlwind, it feels like yesterday that I got drafted.”
Thinking ahead to Saturday’s match against West Coast, Mules was excited to speak of the depth of talent in her side.
“Our squad is so fierce, so powerful,” she said.
“They’re absolute weapons, great human beings as well. I definitely think we will have an immediate impact. We’ve got some excellent players, some incredible characters and we will show that on the footy field.
“Here (at Port Adelaide) is just really good energy. We all have the purpose to play good footy and our ultimate goal is to win. Our brand of footy is to be fierce and tough…(fans) should expect the normal Port Adelaide style of play.”
The Port Adelaide women open their season at Mineral Resources Park in Perth this Saturday from 1:10pm AWST / 2:40pm ACST. The match will be shown live on 7mate and Fox Footy.
