PORT ADELAIDE senior coach Lauren Arnell has led her side to its first AFLW finals win, in emphatic fashion at Alberton Oval, supported by a vocal, 5000-strong crowd.
The Power stormed home by 24 points to secure its seventh consecutive victory, and a Semi-Final appearance.
Arnell was elated with the team-first, offensive brand of football her playing group had on show, also praising Richmond for its effort and energy.
“It's amazing,” she said following the game.
“Last week here, Round 11, beating the Giants in the last minute, was incredible. But to watch a complete performance against a very, very good team in Richmond, I'm so proud of our crew (and) really proud of the footy that got played today.
“I think for both teams, you watched two brands of footy that are actually quite similar, with some exceptional players out there. And I'm really, really proud of my group, but I'm really proud of the game that both teams are able to play today in a final.”
It was a hotly contested match-up for the whole four quarters, however the Tigers were rarely on top, with the Power smashing the clearance count 38-23, and showing off its slick ball movement.
Generally unfazed by individual stats, the group continues to focus on winning the contested ball as a team, and having an even spread of contributors.
“It is such an even team, and statistically, we're not after a high possession game,” Arnell said.
“And so I know, there'll be different conversations about All-Australian and the AFL PA, 22under22 and bits and pieces like that, and I think the most important thing for our group right now is that we play team footy, and we've seen that today.
“I do hope that for some of our individuals who've been exceptional all year, they get some recognition at some point, but I think we'll see the group right now is just most pleased about the team performance.”
The growth in just three seasons has been quite remarkable, with the coach highlighting the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes since its first AFLW game in 2022.
“We've come from a long way back, too,” she said.
“It's been a lot of hard work by a lot of people. And there's a lot of staff, coaches and players who've been in this program in the first couple of years…and just to acknowledge, I think, everyone that's worked towards this point, but also to understand that's one final and a lot of the hard slog that we've had in the previous two years has been about sustainable success.
“So right in this moment, we are so excited, and then it's also about, how can we get better next week? Because we've got another opportunity next week. We don't want to be a flash in the pan here, but also just in this moment, I’m so proud of our group.”
Abbey Dowrick, Matilda Scholz and Julia Teakle all returned from injury for the Elimination Final, with all three performing beautifully, showing why they belong at the level.
“Obviously it was difficult without (Abbey and Matilda) last week,” Arnell said.
“It was disappointing that they weren't able to play (and) to see them put their best foot forward out there, I know both are pretty tired at this point. Obviously Matilda and Abbey make a significant difference to our team. And honestly, I think it was a real team performance today. We had every single player stand up and play their role, and that's what's required to win finals.
“Teaks is just such an incredible teammate and a really consistent performer, and she's someone that you have full trust in…she just turns up and turns up and turns up and works. And the diligence that she's had from the moment that injury occurred just allows her to play that well.”
Port Adelaide will take on Hawthorn in the Semi-Final next weekend, with Arnell fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
“Obviously Hawthorn (have had an) exceptional season,” she said.
“And they’re certainly someone we're going to have to put a lot of work into. And I know they're exceptionally well coached as well, and to watch them tick over and play high scoring, attacking games, I'm really looking forward to preparing this group to put their best foot forward against Hawthorn next week.”
