The AFLW’s priority signing period (PSP) kicked off on Wednesday and some significant player movement has already taken place across the league.
The PSP is a one-off initiative designed to support expansion sides in strengthening their lists, resulting in a more even and more exciting competition.
Port Adelaide, Sydney, Essendon and Hawthorn all have the ability to sign certain players before other clubs can, and while the rule may have ruffled some feathers, it’s an important step toward further developing the league.
Port Adelaide senior coach Lauren Arnell says it’s important to consider the bigger picture.
“I think perspective's really important in situations like this,” Arnell said.
“We had significant constraints building our expansion list last year. I think if anything, this is a true expansion time. Having a longer lead into the season than what we did last year allows for a more even competition and a truer expansion period.”
Arnell started her on-field career with Carlton in Season 1 and finished with Brisbane, experiencing the impacts of expansion twice as a player during that time.
“I’ve been at footy clubs that have been impacted heavily by expansion teams coming in so I’ve lived that,” she said.
“(But in) my time at Brisbane, we came back from that and ended up winning a Premiership three years later.
“While everything is pretty hot right now and there's some immediate reaction (from clubs and fans), the important thing for us and our football club is that we have the opportunity to add players of the calibre of Ash Woodland, and so we will.
“I’m really excited as a senior coach to form the best list possible in support with (list manager) Naomi Maidment. We are here for long term success and Ash is going to be a really important part of that. We're really excited.”
Since Arnell spoke on the marquee signing of key forward Woodland, the club has secured two more players within the PSP – All-Australian defender Janelle Cuthbertson and rising ruck Matilda Scholz.
“There are a lot of really high-quality players around the competition and we’ll make no apologies about trying to improve our list dramatically, while we have the opportunity to do so,” Arnell said.
“For our people, our Port Adelaide supporters, know we are doing everything we can to strengthen our list.”
