Port Adelaide has secured the signature of All-Australian Kirsty Lamb on the final day of the 2023 AFLW Trade Period. 

In a trade deal involving 11 clubs, Port Adelaide receives Lamb from the Western Bulldogs, pick 18 (Adelaide), pick 24 (West Coast) and pick 56 (Melbourne), while the Power gives Lily Johnson to Melbourne, pick four to the Bulldogs, pick 21 to Brisbane and pick 44 to Gold Coast. 

Port Adelaide still holds the first South Australian pick in Monday’s AFLW Draft, ahead of the Adelaide Crows.  

Playing 67 games at the Bulldogs, including a premiership in 2018, Lamb has been in the AFLW system since day one, making her debut in the opening round of the first season. 

With an extensive elite sporting background, the 29-year-old switched to football from cricket, where she played for Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades between 2012 and 2016. 

In 2022 (Season 6), Lamb earned the Bulldogs’ best and fairest medal and was named the AFL Players’ Association most courageous player in the league. 

Earlier this month, she polled third in the Bulldogs’ best and fairest count and took home the club’s leading goal-kicker award.  

Lamb also has a family connection to Port Adelaide, with her uncle Paul Rizonico playing 102 SANFL games for the Magpies between 1989 and 1994. 

List manager Naomi Maidment says the new recruit will complement the Power’s young midfield. 

“We are really excited to welcome Kirsty to Port Adelaide,” Maidment said. 

“Kirsty is a quality player and All-Australian who will add depth to our young midfield group. 

“She dominates in the contest, has good offensive ability and the capacity to hit the scoreboard. From a cultural perspective, we know Kirsty will fit in well.  

“She is someone we have kept an eye on over the last couple of years and with her family connections to the club, it feels like a great fit.” 

Forward Johnson made her AFLW debut in Round 8 of 2022, after being selected in the AFLW Draft by Port Adelaide at pick 80 overall. 

The Tasmanian product went on to play five games over two seasons at the Power, kicking two goals and averaging 5.4 disposals. 

Maidment thanked the 19-year-old and wished her all the best for the future.  

“We wish Lily the best of luck for the next chapter of her football career,” Maidment said. 

“She has been committed to our program since our inaugural season and we’re grateful for all she has given to our club.” 

The AFLW Trade Period concludes at 1:30pm ACDT on Thursday, 14 December, with the AFLW Draft to take place on Monday, 18 December. 

Kirsty Lamb 
DOB: 27 June 1994 
Height: 162cm 
Position: Midfielder 
Club(s): Western Bulldogs/Diamond Creek (VFLW) 
Debut: Round 1, 2017 
AFLW games: 67 
AFLW goals: 25 

Full trade details