AFTER seven existing players already inked fresh contracts earlier this week, Port Adelaide will keep the bulk of its AFLW list together, retaining an additional 17 players for Season 8.
Gemma Houghton, Maria Moloney, Ebony O’Dea, Indy Tahau, Alex Ballard, Hannah Ewings and Abbey Dowrick all re-signed earlier in the sign and trade period, while Erin Phillips, Hannah Dunn, Ange Foley, Justine Mules and Julia Teakle remain at the club on multi-year deals.
The backline will stay largely intact with Cheyenne Hammond and Amelie Borg signing on, while developing ruck Olivia Levicki will be promoted from her debut season rookie contract.
In addition to Borg, last year’s draftees Sachi Syme, Ella Boag, Yasmin Duursma and Lily Johnson will remain at Alberton, as well as talented twins Laquoiya and Litonya Cockatoo-Motlap.
Forwards Jade Halfpenny and Jade De Melo have both extended, plus young utility Maggie MacLachlan.
“We have always said we are focused on maintaining continuity and versatility within our list,” list manager Naomi Maidment said.
“We are retaining 24 players in total, which is 80 per cent of our inaugural list, and we’ve now complemented this with some exciting new talent from other clubs.
“We are really pleased with what we’ve achieved throughout the priority signing period (PSP) and sign and trade period and feel our list is in strong shape as we head into the Supplementary Draft.”
During the PSP, Port Adelaide welcomed key forward Ash Woodland, defender Janelle Cuthbertson and ruck Matilda Scholz, while Jasmine Simmons and Maddy Keryk have also been secured within the sign and trade period.
The Power is allowed 32 listed players for Season 8, with three vacant list spots open ahead of the Supplementary Draft on 4 April.
