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PORT ADELAIDE will be represented in a Showdown by senior women for the first time, when it takes on Adelaide in a two-match exhibition series this year.

The Crows will host the inaugural Women’s Showdown at City Mazda Stadium on Saturday 8 June, before the SANFL Statewide Super League match between Adelaide and West Adelaide.

The second clash will be at Alberton Oval on Sunday 21 July, ahead of the league clash between Port Adelaide and Glenelg.

SANFL and Next Generation Academy Manager Shane Grimm said the club was excited by the opportunity to play in the showcase fixtures.

“Port Adelaide is delighted to be involved in the female talent pathway to the AFLW competition,” Grimm said.

“We remain committed to promoting and developing women’s football at a grassroots level here in South Australia.”

At the conclusion of the SANFLW competition, Port will have the opportunity to pick a squad of the best performed players from their aligned SANFLW clubs - Woodville-West Torrens, Norwood, South Adelaide and West Adelaide.

The senior female squad will train at Alberton, where they will be exposed to a high performance football program led by head coach Naomi Maidment.

“The games will be used to give the SANFLW players an opportunity to play at a higher level and showcase their talents for AFLW scouts,” Grimm said.

“It’s great for us to be involved at a senior level now, as it further strengthens the pathway for young talented female footballers at Port Adelaide.”  

Port’s Female Talent Next Generation Academy - an under 16 program - currently has 28 participants who will begin training this week.

The academy runs fortnightly sessions, and - like the senior squad - will be coached by Naomi Maidment.

Grimm said affiliated SANFLW coaches will also be involved in the program, while Port’s full-time strength and conditioning staff will be used to help fast-track the girls’ development.

“The pathway for our elite female talent is really exciting, and the opportunity to up-skill our affiliated SANFL coaches is a real positive too,” he said.