PORT ADELAIDE pair Abbey Dowrick and Gemma Houghton have been rewarded for outstanding 2023 NAB AFLW campaigns, with both players named in the All-Australian squad of 42.  

Dowrick and Houghton finished first and second respectively in Friday’s club best and fairest count, with both players enjoying career-best seasons. 

Averaging 19.6 disposals and 12.2 contested possessions from 10 games this year, Dowrick took a step up from her debut season in 2022. 

The 21-year-old also averaged 6.3 clearances per game, finishing the season in the league’s top-six for both average and total clearances.  

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AFLW 2023 B&F: Abbey Dowrick highlights | PTV

See the highlights from Abbey Dowrick’s phenomenal 2023 season.

She ranked third in the competition for average metres gained with 472, finishing only behind experienced midfielders Jasmine Garner (North Melbourne) and Ebony Marinoff (Adelaide).   

Experienced campaigner Houghton scored a career-high 16 goals, while also averaging 14.1 disposals and 5.7 tackles for the season. 

After being impacted by injury in 2022, she played all 10 games this season, recording 52 score assists and topping the club for contested marks and marks inside 50. 

Gemma Houghton led her side in goals in 2023, booting 16 goals in ten games. Image: AFL Photos.

If the key forward is named in the final 21, it will be her third time receiving All-Australian honours, previously being selected in 2019 and 2020. 

The final team of 21 will be announced at the W Awards on Monday, 27 November. 

The All-Australian Panel consists of Nicole Livingstone (chair), Andrew Dillon, Laura Kane, Jason Bennett, Kelli Underwood, Sarah Black, Katie Loynes, Narelle Smith and Megan Waters.