Port Adelaide senior coach Lauren Arnell is expecting a tough contest against Fremantle at Alberton on Saturday afternoon. 

It will be the first time the two sides meet in the AFLW, with forward Gemma Houghton preparing to take on her former side. 

Arnell spoke to the Adelaide media on Friday about losing captain Janelle Cuthbertson to injury, the feeling following last week’s emphatic win, and the development across all parts of the side’s game. 

Arnell on Janelle Cuthbertson’s ACL injury 
“We're obviously really feeling for and we're feeling so devastated for JC, she's just had her surgery as well, and, yeah, it's, it's a really rough time for our skipper. But the thing about JC and her leadership is she's so selfless, and just being able to turn up early in the week, and she's all about the team and guiding them through what the next stage is. And you know, it does provide another opportunity for Maddy Keryk to come into the side as well. So, yeah, it stings big time. And we're really feeling for her. And I think, if anything, there's further reason to play the right way this weekend.” 

Arnell on filling the gap left by Cuthbertson 
“I mean, everyone needs to step up across the field. Obviously, JC’s weapon being intercept marking, and she really structures our back line. Really strong voice and guidance down there. So we've seen Amelie Borg continue to come on in leaps and bounds. Teagan Germech has been a nice little surprise packet so far this season. And then obviously, with Keryk coming in around Foley as well, you know, there's a bit more experience there to help structure the back line without JC. 

“I think you ask more of everybody. I don't think you can replace your captain, especially not Janelle Cuthbertson directly. But we are very fortunate in the sense of Maddy Keryk’s been going so well and has been pretty unlucky to be not in the side. So we know she's more than ready to perform tomorrow night.” 

Arnell on taking on Fremantle this weekend 
“I'm expecting a very hotly contested game here in Alberton on Saturday. I think Fremantle, we know how disappointed they are (with their loss). They've been really public in how disappointed they were in their game against the Crows, and certainly know they're a better side. So yeah, we're expecting a very good outfit in the Dockers. We've never played them before, but certainly had enough experience myself playing against them over the years. And yeah, full respect for the way that footy team goes about things and certainly expecting a hot contest. 

“Part of my job is to watch a lot of footy, so I certainly watched that (Fremantle v Adelaide) game. Yeah, I think like you try and get a measure over two games of what a team's trying to do. And it's not a lot of data, to be fair. They had a really windy game at Windy Hill against Essendon in round one, and performed quite well. And then, yeah, obviously they wouldn't be pleased with how they went about it, how the game panned out against the Crows. So yeah, I think if anything, we take more of a gauge of how they went against Essendon and understand that they'll be a very good show on Saturday against us.” 

Arnell on winning on the MCG last week 
“Our group's always excited to play footy, but yeah, I'm stoked with the start we've had, obviously, round one we played the Showdown, which for me, is as close to a final as you can get in round one. And you know, you guys would have been here for that atmosphere. It was incredible for our group, and we've shown some real maturity already in these first two weeks. And then to turn that around and play at the ‘G on a Friday night before a men's final is amazing experience for our group. And, yeah, I think the challenge for us is to continue to show progress, regardless of opposition or where we play footy.” 

Arnell on the feeling this week following the win 
“It’s interesting, like, I think this year obviously I’ve said publicly, there's a real measure on wins and losses for us. But also, we've got our own internal KPIs that, I won't say they matter more than winning, but they are very important. And our ability to show progress within what we know is us building and improving has been vital. And yeah, 40-point win is awesome. Let's bring those on where we can get them. But I think the internal progress and the growth that the group’s showing, and the maturity is the most important thing so far.” 

Arnell on Kirsty Lamb 
“Yeah, I think for Lamby, it's not an easy thing to move clubs, and particularly after such a long time of playing one brand a footy with the Doggies and to come into our space and learn new teammates, learn a new process, a new game style. So it was really pleasing to see how well she went at the ‘G on Friday night. And obviously, if you’re playing your old side, you want to go pretty well. So really pleased for her, and just continue to see her come on in leaps and bounds and help guide what is it really going to be filled at the moment.” 

Arnell on Julia Teakle’s development 
“I think Julia Teakle’s progress has been quite linear since she got here. She's just applies herself incredibly well day to day and week to week, and I’ve said a few times now, I think it's just her performance is an indicator of a lot of hard work over, you know, three years now. So that was pleasing. And there'll be other games where other forwards get on the end of a few and she'll play a role, and the stat line will look very different, but for us internally, she's very consistent in how she goes about it, so it's nice for her to get on the goals and kick four.” 

Arnell on the group’s exciting game style  
“Our people have always been great in supporting us, and I can't wait to see them here at Alberton on Saturday. As a coach, I've always been really strong in wanting our group to play a really exciting brand of footy so I'm pleased to hear that you're enjoying watching us. And you know, our players enjoy playing this style of footy, too, and it's not necessarily a heavy stats-based game, and we see other teams accumulating a lot of possession. Our ability to win contest so far this year and play pretty direct into our forward line is benefiting us, and sometimes that can go underrated. So we’ve just got to continue to show that brand of footy and progress.  

Arnell on developing her side’s defence 
“One thing we're really pleased with, and we've been saying this a little while, is we have been chasing offense the first couple of years in the competition, and this off-season that's just gone has been really heavy on contest, and that supports our defensive structure behind the ball. And so we've seen some benefit of that. And probably the most pleasing thing out of the first two weeks for us is, you know, a 40-point win is one thing, but we actually applied the highest pressure factor so far in the competition, against the Doggies, of the season so far. So to have that stat underneath us and something to chase each game that we play is again, really pleasing. And it shows another level of maturity and growth for our group.” 

Arnell on Gemma Houghton playing against her old side this weekend 
“Yeah, I think it’s exciting for Gem. She's obviously playing some pretty good footy as well. But no, I haven't actually talked to her yet. I might have a little chat at captain's run tonight and just check in with her. But she's gone really well and certainly just very focused on her role within our team right now, and that's benefiting everybody.”