PORT ADELAIDE will be captained by Janelle Cuthbertson for the 2024 NAB AFLW season, and she will be supported by a new look leadership group.
Defender Cuthbertson was a co-vice-captain in her first season at Alberton last year, after crossing to the club following 24 games with Fremantle.
The 2021 All-Australian made an immediate impact with her Power teammates and was voted by them to be their captain.
Cuthbertson takes over the number one guernsey from the retired Erin Phillips and described being named club captain as one of the proudest moments in both her tennis and football careers.
“Port Adelaide is such an esteemed club with such a rich history and it's an honour to be able to wear the number one,” Cuthbertson said.
“To be voted in by your peers and your teammates, being trusted to run out there and lead the team and captain this club is something I'm not going to take for granted and I know my family is very proud.
“Coming over here just over 12 months ago, my goal was to earn my stripes and earn the respect of my teammates and show them that I was here for them, and this club has very quickly become home for me. It's my family – I’ve been welcomed with open arms.”
Justine Mules-Robinson has been voted Cuthbertson’s vice-captain, with Ange Foley and Ash Saint rounding out the leadership group.
Mules-Robinson and Foley were both part of the leadership group in the club’s first two AFLW campaigns, while Saint has been included for the first time.
Cuthbertson said she felt privileged to have a strong and capable leadership group around her to harness the side’s desire to improve.
“I worked a lot with Ange and Juzzy last year, and I’m really excited to welcome Ash into the group as well,” Cuthbertson said.
“I think between the four of us, we've got a really strong group and we’re really diverse in the way that we lead, how we establish relationships and how we work with the team.
“I’m really excited to work with the girls to get the best out of our side.”
Port Adelaide Head of AFLW Shane Grimm said the club was fortunate to have such strong leaders to guide the group, singling out Cuthbertson for special praise.
“Our leaders are all so different but they’re all great role models for our young group – each of them mature, professional and deeply committed to this club,” he said.
“It’s very special to have Janelle become just the second person to be our club captain in the AFLW. While she has not been at the club for a long time, she has embraced all that it means to represent Port Adelaide and understands the significance of wearing the iconic number one guernsey.
“I know that Janelle and her leadership group will drive our playing group forwards in 2024.”
Port Adelaide will begin its AFLW campaign with a Showdown at Alberton Oval on Saturday, 31 August.
