Inaugural Port Adelaide vice-captain Ange Foley has called time on her AFLW career, after nine seasons and 73 games across two clubs.Ā
Foley joined Port Adelaide as part of its foundation list ahead of Season 7, bringing valuable knowledge and experience to a young group.Ā
The 35-year-old has been part of the leadership group for all three seasons at the Power, with two years as vice-captain under AFLW legend, Erin Phillips.Ā
Recruited by Adelaide as a priority selection in August 2016 ahead of the first season of AFLW, Foley went on to win two premierships with her first club.Ā
Foleyās long kick and running capacity were two of her trademarks, with the defender also spending some time on the wing to add an extra element to her game.Ā
While she was sad to hang up her boots, she felt the time was right.Ā
āI am so grateful for my time at the Port Adelaide and Adelaide Football Clubs,ā she said.Ā
āTo retire a Port Adelaide player after a fantastic year is a real honour. Iām proud of what we achieved as a group and I know the future is bright for this team, with the belief and depth of talent coming through.Ā
āThe Port Adelaide fans have been incredible, and have been behind us every step of the way. Iām excited to join them on the sidelines next year, and watch a game or two from the Precinct deck.Ā
āIāve been extremely lucky to have the experiences Iāve had, and the friendships Iāve made across both clubs will stay with me forever.āĀ
A secondary school teacher by trade, Foley has expertly balanced football with her teaching role at Seymour College, and is thankful for the schoolās support.Ā
āSeymour have been amazing to me, and I canāt thank them enough for helping me juggle football with teaching over the last few years.Ā Ā
āIt feels like the time is right to finish my footy career, and I canāt wait to see what comes next.āĀ
Foley was the second player to take a leap of faith and join the Power in 2022, with Phillips the only person on the list before her.Ā
Head of AFLW Shane Grimm acknowledged Foleyās wonderful career.Ā
āIād like to congratulate Ange on her AFLW career,ā Grimm said.Ā
āAnge has been an important member of our playing group since our womenās team was established. Her training standards are high, and she demands the best of herself and those around her.Ā
āShe has been a vocal leader for our group, and itās been a pleasure to work alongside her at Port Adelaide.Ā
āWe wish her all the very best for the future.āĀ
Foley played 33 games for the Power, after 40 games with the Crows.Ā