Sam Virgo, will take on extra responsibility until at least the beginning of the AFLW pre-season with senior coach Lauren Arnell on parental leave. Image: Michael Sullivan.

PORT ADELAIDE assistant coach Sam Virgo will assume higher duties in the AFLW program while senior coach Lauren Arnell takes parental leave. 

Arnell and partner Lexi are due to welcome their baby in mid-January, with Arnell to go on leave in December, and returning before the 2024 season. 

Virgo, who joined Port Adelaide earlier this year, will take on extra responsibility until at least the beginning of the AFLW pre-season. 

“Sam has shown dedication and commitment to our playing group and has developed strong relationships within the program in a short space of time,” Arnell said. 

“She is a respected coach and leader and I am confident the program will be in capable hands with her while I take a break.” 

Sam Virgo will assume higher duties in the AFLW program while senior coach Lauren Arnell takes parental leave. Image: Brooke Bowering.

AFLW assistant coach and recently retired SANFL captain Cam Sutcliffe has accepted a coaching role in Port Adelaide’s AFL program and will depart the women’s program.  

AFLW runner and Glenelg SANFLW assistant coach Troy Wilkey will step into a development coach position next year, joining Braedon Talbot, who will enter his second season in the same role. 

Assistant coach Daniel Caire and development coach Dave Reynolds will both depart the club. 

“Congratulations to Cam, who has been given an opportunity to work within our AFL program,” General Manager of Football, Chris Davies said. 

“I also want to thank Daniel and Dave for their commitment to our program over the past two years.  

“They have both balanced full-time employment with coaching at Port Adelaide, and we are grateful for their involvement. 

“All three are great people and will be missed by our AFLW group.” 

Port Adelaide has commenced the search to fill AFLW coaching vacancies and will provide a further update in due course.