PORT ADELAIDE forward Gemma Houghton made her much-anticipated return to the AFLW on Saturday, less than six weeks after undergoing syndesmosis surgery.
Houghton’s on-field presence was welcomed by a healthy home crowd, particularly late in the first quarter when she took a sharp overhead mark and slotted a goal.
“It was amazing to get back out there with the girls,” Houghton said.
“Even after I kicked my first goal, they ran up to me and all got around me. The support I've had from them just really gave me confidence and I love being back out there with them and want to help them in any way I can in the next two games.”
Houghton, who will play her 50th AFLW game this weekend, reflected on her time on the sidelines, after injuring her ankle in Round 2.
“(It was) definitely challenging,” she said.
“We had a few games where we didn't score too many goals and I just think watching those games, you want to be out there. But I was able to get around the girls that weren't selected and (those who) were injured and try and give as much insight and knowledge to the game that I could, especially against oppositions that I've played against previously in the competition. But, it was pretty tough sitting out those games.”
The 28-year-old key forward praised the Port Adelaide environment for getting her back on the ground sooner than most may have expected.
“The support here – the club doctor and physios – I'm in really good hands,” she said.
“(Strength and conditioning coaches) Adam and Bails have really helped me on the conditioning side of things – lots of running without touching a footy, but that's given me the best opportunity to get back and perform at my best that I can for my team.
“I think that’s the difficult thing with the AFLW season being very short and injury can really push you out for a big chunk of the season. Obviously missing six games with the girls was tough but I got around them and it was just really good to be back out there.”
Houghton’s milestone match this Sunday will make her the third Port Adelaide player to reach the 50-game mark in the AFLW, following Justine Mules and Erin Phillips.
“It's a pretty special feeling,” she said.
“It's my seventh year in the competition and to get to 50 games is a really special milestone. I’m really excited to be able to run out in the Port Adelaide colours and go out there and hopefully have a good game.
“I spent six years at Freo and I have some really special memories there, but to have this fresh start here in Adelaide and to run out alongside the girls this week is going to be incredible and a moment of my career I’ll look always look back on.”
With two rounds left in the home-and-away season and finals now out of reach for the Power, Houghton is optimistic about what the side can bring for the remainder of the season and into the future.
“With two games left, we just want to give it a really good crack and hopefully get the four points in both of those games just (get) a bit of reward for our effort,” Houghton said.
“I think we've performed really well (this season). I know there are some really disappointing games that we come off and probably should have won but being our first year in the competition we have really taken it to some sides that have been in the competition for seven seasons.
“I'm really impressed with the girls and I'm really excited for the future and what we're building here at Port Adelaide and I can't wait for next season. I'm really proud of the girls and I think they should be too.”
Port Adelaide takes on St Kilda this Sunday at RSEA Park from 12:40pm ACDT. The match can be watched live on Fox Footy, Kayo and womens.afl.
