PORT ADELAIDE has named its extended 24-player squad for the side’s first official NAB AFLW pre-season match, this Friday against St Kilda.
The Power has named an eight-player interchange bench to take on the Saints under lights at Alberton Oval, marking the first night fixture at the venue since the installation of the new light towers.
Marquee signings Ashleigh Saint and Janelle Cuthbertson are expected to bring firepower to either end of the ground, with the All-Australians adding talent and experience to the group.
Young ruck Matilda Scholz has been given an opportunity, while inside midfielder Jasmin Stewart has also been named, with both players impressing in last weekend’s hitout against Greater Western Sydney.
New club additions Katelyn Pope and Maddy Keryk have been named on the interchange, giving both players the chance to put their hands up for Round 1 selection.
While most match conditions will remain the same as a regular AFL-sanctioned match, teams will be allowed to rotate through their whole group of 24.
Sachi Syme and Maria Moloney have been left out of the selected side, with both players set to serve bans in Round 1, from the final match of last season.
Ruck Olivia Levicki will also miss due to illness.
The game begins at 7:10pm, is open to the public and free to attend. It will also be live streamed at www.portadelaidefc.com.au.
Pre-season match team selection
B: A Borg 21, H Dunn 24
HB: C Hammond 28, I Tahau 10, J Cuthbertson 25
C: A Foley 3, E Phillips 1-C, E Boag 17
HF: J Mules 14, J Teakle 15, H Ewings 12
F: A Saint 8, G Houghton 27
Foll: M Scholz 29, J Stewart 13, A Dowrick 5
I/C: E O’Dea 2, Y Duursma 7, M MacLachlan 16, J Halfpenny 4, A Ballard 19, K Pope 44, M Keryk 26, Li Cockatoo-Motlap 30
