In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Port Adelaide’s AFLW side has etched their name into the history books with the biggest comeback victory ever seen in the league. Trailing by 22 points at three-quarter time against the highly fancied Hawthorn, the Power staged a remarkable turnaround to snatch a one-point win and secure their maiden preliminary final berth.
A Journey of Rapid Improvement
Port Adelaide’s rise from cellar-dwellers to finals contenders in just their third season is a testament to the club’s determination and consistent improvement. Having only joined the AFLW as part of the most recent expansion, the Power endured tough campaigns in their first two years, collecting just three wins and two draws across the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
However, the arrival of coach Lauren Arnell, the first former player to take the reins of an AFLW side, has sparked a remarkable turnaround. Arnell brought with her a wealth of experience, having captained Carlton in the league’s inaugural season and won nine VFLW premierships with the Darebin Falcons.
Positional Changes Prove Pivotal
Facing a daunting deficit against the high-flying Hawks, Arnell’s tactical nous came to the fore. Bold positional changes at three-quarter time, including moving Abbey Dowrick forward and deploying youngster Sachi Syme in attack, paid immediate dividends.
“Mate, can you jump forward and play a defensive role for us,” Arnell asked of Syme, who went on to kick the decisive behind that sealed the Power’s passage to the preliminary final.
– Lauren Arnell, Port Adelaide AFLW Coach
The move saw Dowrick, who had been quiet for much of the game, boot two crucial goals, while ruck Matilda Scholz lifted to “a whole new level” according to Arnell.
Clearance Dominance Fuels Comeback
Port Adelaide’s midfield took control in the final term, winning an incredible 12 clearances in a row to start the quarter. This dominance around the contest laid the platform for the Power’s attacking forays, as they relentlessly peppered the goals in search of an unlikely victory.
The belief coursing through the team was palpable, with Arnell later reflecting:
“We’ve had players who at different times throughout the season have had an attitude of ‘not today, I’m going to do something about this'”.
– Lauren Arnell, Port Adelaide AFLW Coach
Arnell’s Influence Shines Through
The Power’s rapid rise is a credit to Arnell’s leadership and ability to inspire her charges. Drawing on her extensive grassroots coaching experience, the former school teacher has instilled a culture of constant improvement and belief at Alberton Oval.
Speaking after the historic victory, Arnell emphasized the growth mindset she has fostered within the group:
“There’s been enormous growth for everyone in our team and I just keep challenging them, how much better can we get every week.”
– Lauren Arnell, Port Adelaide AFLW Coach
With just 33 games under their belt as a collective, the fact that Port Adelaide are now just one win away from a Grand Final berth is scarcely believable. Yet, such has been the buy-in to Arnell’s philosophy, that the Power continue to reach new heights on a weekly basis.
A Date with Destiny Awaits
Standing between Port Adelaide and a place in the decider are minor premiers North Melbourne, who will host the Power at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon. The Kangaroos have been the benchmark of the competition all season and will enter the clash as warm favorites.
However, if there’s one thing we’ve learned about this Port Adelaide side, it’s to never write them off. With Arnell at the helm and a belief forged through adversity, the Power will be confident of claiming another scalp and capping off one of the most remarkable rises in AFLW history.
As the old adage goes, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. And right now, Port Adelaide are finishing like a steam train, leaving the rest of the competition in their wake. The message is clear: the Power are here, and they mean business.
