Port Adelaide hosted GWS at Alberton Oval for its first trial game this pre-season. Image: Brooke Bowering.

Port Adelaide put on a solid showing in its first AFLW match simulation for 2023, defeating Greater Western Sydney by 31 points.  

Despite wet and wild conditions at Alberton Oval, the Power was able to take control of the game and hit the scoreboard early. 

Senior coach Lauren Arnell was happy with the way her group performed in their first opportunity to play opposition this year. 

“It’s a pleasing way to start our trial game period,” Arnell said. 

“Obviously it's always nice to win, and while we don't necessarily worry too much about the scoreboard when you're rotating 30 players through four quarters, it's good to feel a bit of reward. 

“I'm really pleased with the development we've made with our game style, and we had 30 contributors today. It's a bit challenging to balance 30 across a small amount of game time so I'm pleased with how we went about it.” 

Gemma Houghton in action at Alberton on Saturday. Image: Brooke Bowering.

New recruits Ashleigh Saint and Jasmin Stewart both produced majors, while midfielder Abbey Dowrick was the only multiple goal-scorer for the day with two.  

Stewart proved her footy smarts and left-foot-kick were right at home at Alberton, while fellow former Fremantle teammate and co-vice-captain Janelle Cuthbertson looked strong in the backlines. 

Key forward Gemma Houghton was back at her best after missing a chunk of the Season 7 through injury, while ruck Matilda Scholz and defender Georgie Jaques both had their first taste of AFLW football. 

Fans were also able to watch Katelyn Pope, Maddy Keryk and Jasmine Simmons in Power colours for the first time, with Pope seeing plenty of the footy throughout. 

The game comprised four 20-minute quarters, with both teams able to rotate through their whole lists. 

New recruit Ash Saint added to the scoreboard against the Giants. Image: Brooke Bowering.

Several senior Port Adelaide players sat out the second half including Houghton, Saint, Cuthbertson and Ange Foley, while Erin Phillips and Indy Tahau didn’t take the field, with both players being rested. 

“I think a real measure of our growth this year is going to be not just our first 21, it will be our whole list of 32,” Arnell said. 

“Obviously we chose not to play Erin and Indy today, but with the 30 that did perform, just knowing how important it is that we show that depth in our list because while it's only 10 games in the season, it's really important you've got depth across what can be a rollercoaster of a season. 

Port Adelaide rotated through 30 players in its first pre-season hitout, with a strong performance across the list. Image: Brooke Bowering.

“What's important to us right now is playing a team brand of footy and we saw that for the majority of the game. We were able to execute our plan and focus on team principles and our game style.” 

Port Adelaide will take on St Kilda on Friday night under lights in its first official pre-season game under match conditions. 

The game is free for members and fans to attend, with the first bounce at 7:10pm at Alberton Oval. The match will also be live-streamed at the Port Adelaide website. 

Scoreboard 

PA      3.0    5.2    6.5    8.5 (53) 
GWS  1.0    2.1    2.1    3.4 (22) 

Goals: Dowrick 2, Boag, Houghton, Saint, Mules, Ewings, Stewart