Gemma Houghton learning the celebration for 'Port Power' at Brighton Primary School whilst facilitating a Community Youth Program Session for those deaf or hard of hearing. Image: Brooke Bowering.

PORT ADELAIDE forward Gemma Houghton etched her name into the history books on the weekend, scoring the first goal of her club’s inaugural AFLW campaign.

But it was what came next that had people curious, with Houghton debuting a special goal celebration, as a result of a promise she had made just weeks prior.

Houghton, who works in Port Adelaide’s community team in addition to her football commitments, recently helped to facilitate a Community Youth Program (CYP) for children who are deaf and hard of hearing – a first for an AFL club.

With no sign existing for 'Port Adelaide', Brighton Primary School students taught the 28-year-old the Auslan signs for ‘Port Power’, with Houghton committing to use it as an on-field celebration.

Speaking with ABC during the session in mid-August, the two-time All-Australian showed what she had learned, signing a ‘P’ with her hands to represent ‘Port’, followed by a closed fist in the air to symbolise ‘Power’.

“We hope it gets back to (the kids) and they see (it) and they realise that they’re very important to us, just as much as we are to them,” Houghton said.

And there wasn’t long to wait, with Houghton slotting Port’s first historic major in the second quarter on Saturday in Perth.

“I hope my celebration made the students feel recognised and included,” she said.

“I absolutely loved being involved in the Auslan session. It was a special moment for me since arriving at Port Adelaide. The kids were really engaged and taught us how to sign so we wanted to make them feel special when we were out on the field. Everyone is a part of this great game.

“To be the player who kicked the first goal was a moment I’ll always remember.”

One person who witnessed the thoughtful gesture was Deaf Connect Business Transition Manager, Sarah Dempsey, who beamed via email to the club.

“I even saw (Gemma) signed ‘Port Power’ when she kicked a goal over the weekend, how good!!” she wrote.

Port Adelaide worked closely with Deaf Connect to translate its online learning platform into an accessible format for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, with 17 students participating in the first session.