THEY'RE the women tasked with building a new era of female football at Port Adelaide.

These seven players will don the black and white 'prison bar' guernsey throughout the 2016 season - the first for Port Adelaide's formalised arrangement with the SA Women's Football League. 

Led by 21-year-old Maddie Willis, the Magpies will take on a range of clubs across the city. 

And despite tough early losses to the club's teams, all of these Magpies are building towards something special. 

 

Maddie Willis, 21 years old - captain

“I played school football as a kid, from that got selected to play for Port Magpies interzone team. I also played basketball for West Adelaide Bearcats for many years.

“I love Port Adelaide so getting to put on the black and white and run out at Alberton is such an honour.

“I'm so grateful for what the club is doing for women's football and am proud to be a part of it.”

Lisa Kennedy – 24 years old - Div 1 leadership group

“I bleed black and white. Coming to the Port Adelaide each day for work is like having a second family, a second home and now I get that feeling when I can run out on to Alberton Oval in the prison bars."

“The support from the AFL coaches, and staff has been overwhelming. They genuinely care about our teams and our development which is a great feeling.”

 

Hayley Charity – 33 years old

“I started playing in 2007 and being a part of Port Adelaide means everything to me. To wear the black and white is an absolute honour that I take very seriously.”

“I see a lot of talent within our club and I feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing bunch of young women.”

Tashara Wilson - 18 years old

"The first time I played football was in the Aboriginal Power Cup for three years then joined up to club football in 2015."
"I haven't played for any other football teams."
"For me, being at Port Adelaide is all about sport and football itself. I love to play."
"It's also about being around other inspiring women, getting to know their abilities and strengths and also getting to know them. It inspires me to become better within myself and it gives me strength to strive to play better.
"I love going to training every week, being out there on the oval with the team and coaches, just being part of the team and club is where I want to be."

Division Two Leadership Group (rotating captains)

Sam McLachlan – 26 years old

First played footy in 2012 for Greenacres. Moved to PAWFC in 2015.

“Playing for the Port Adelaide has always been on my list of things to do and I’m happy that I finally get the opportunity to do so.

“I have followed the Magpies and Power for as long as I can remember.

“Playing for the Port will offer me so much for my fitness and skills.”

 

Tanasha Mellors – 22 years old

“I’ve played footy since I was a kid in school teams and with my siblings.”

“I grew up playing sport from netball, basketball, little athletics but footy has always been my passion

I feel so privileged to play for the team I have supported since I was a kid. To be able to experience their culture and professionalism every week is such an incredible opportunity and to be able to be a part of the Port Adelaide family is such an honour.”

Emma Green - 27 years old 

"This is my first year playing footy. Last weekend was my first ever game." 

"I played basketball for eight seasons prior to this for Monash Uni in Melbourne and we didn't win one game. So I think that helped initiate the change to Aussie rules!" 

"Playing for Port is one thing, but to have been given the opportunity to play on Alberton Oval is unreal.

"I remember wishing so bad when I was watching the the Magpies as a youngster that if I had only been a boy I might have got there! It's so great. I'm loving it. I can't even begin to tell you!"

 

MORE ON PORTADELAIDEFC.COM.AU

Selection: Round 5

Leaders need to lift: Boak

Power v Cats preview

Buy tickets to Saturday night's game