All-Australian key forward Ash Woodland will join Port Adelaide as a priority signing ahead of AFLW Season 8.
The exciting marquee player kicked the most goals across the last calendar year with 35, with two seasons taking place across 2022.
She was part of the Adelaide Crows' successful Premiership campaign in Season 6 and was subsequently named in the forward line for the All-Australian side.
In total, Woodland has booted 44 goals from 40 AFLW games since being signed as a free agent to Melbourne in 2018.
After a year with the Demons, Woodland moved home to South Australia and re-joined North Adelaide, her former SANFLW club, for its 2020 campaign.
She contributed to the Roosters’ unbeaten run with 17 goals from 10 games, helping the side clinch the SANFLW Premiership, before being signed by the Crows in 2021.
Now, after three seasons at West Lakes, the 24-year-old is looking forward to a change.
“I’m really excited to be on board, to start a new adventure,” she said.
“I can’t wait to get to the club and get started with the girls. It will definitely be good to play alongside Flip (Erin Phillips), Juzzy (Mules) and Ange (Foley) again. We were close at the Crows so it will be good to see them again!
“I’m just excited to join a new team in the AFLW system. I want to take my game to the next level and build on my leadership skills with what I’ve learned on my journey so far.”
Port Adelaide list manager Naomi Maidment is looking forward to seeing Woodland add extra firepower to the forward line.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ash to Port Adelaide,” list manager Naomi Maidment said.
“Ash is a dominant forward and joins us from a successful, well-established program, so we know her experiences and skills will add huge value to our footy club.
“She also fits in the age bracket we think our list needs to complement both the senior and junior players we already have. She will bring a lot to the team off the field as well and has shown she has what it takes to be successful at the highest level.”
