Port Adelaide senior coach Lauren Arnell has praised her side’s resilience and pressure after their win over previously undefeated Melbourne at Alberton in Round 5.  

Speaking to the media at Alberton ahead of the side’s Round 6 clash against Geelong, Arnell highlighted the importance of consistency, the team’s ability to rebound quickly from a disappointing loss in Perth, and the focus on controlling what they can to attain results.  

She also reflected on the group’s development in managing opposition pressure particularly late in the game, preparing for Geelong this weekend, and the potential AFLW debut of young forward Lauren Young. 

Tickets for the Power’s home Round 6 clash are on sale now.  

Arnell on her side’s win against a previously undefeated Melbourne 
“I think the most important thing for us this season is about consistency, and we're obviously disappointed with how we showed up in Perth against the Eagles. So being able to turn things around with a young crew in such a small amount of time - from the Sunday game, returning from Perth on the Monday, and then playing at home on Saturday against the Demons, who looked almost unstoppable until they came to Alberton, and certainly played some good footy against us as well - it’s about how we show up and control what we can control. And it's a really strong and positive message for our group in when we do that well, we get the results we're after. 

“I think this year needs to be about our group in 2025. There were some really great things we learned in 2024, and then we've got some new players in as well. So, we have some positive reinforcements from last year, and then also it's this reset of what we are focused on this year. And it's very much about controlling how we show up and the level of consistency we can reach. We’re looking at the gap between our best and worst. And we're still seeing reasonable gaps this year to this point, and so very much of the focus this year is about minimising that gap.” 

“I think the most important bit was focusing on us. I think if we focused too much on what Melbourne is good at, we’d probably go into the game thinking we wouldn’t win. So, our focus is very much on us, and that was about applying a high level of pressure that we know we can do when we're at our best. Our pressure factor in 2024 was a highlight for us - we finished second in the comp for pressure factor, and only North Melbourne were better than us. I think that was a crucial part of the win against Melbourne and continuing to chip away at our offence. I think against good sides in finals-type games, you've got to be able to score to win a game like that, so that was important for us too.” 

“Pressure factor is an interesting one. The way it's measured with Champion Data is through seven different ways, and most of it is effort based. So, the highest rating is based on physicality, and then other things where you can't apply a tackle because you're too far away, but if you chase, that contributes. So, it's just helping the players understand how they can contribute to team defence.”

Arnell on the group’s fourth quarter performances 
“We've spoken about our fourth quarters a little bit. I think again, some of it is a sign of maturity and how we manage in-game situations. And certainly, it's something that we continue to build knowledge on, and there's things you can talk about in a meeting but being able to transfer that understanding from off the field into on-field in the moment pressures - there's a bit of a difference there. So, I take it as positive that we were able to secure the win, certainly under the pump there.” 

Arnell on how she’s preparing the group for Geelong this Saturday 
“I think it's healthy for us to see two teams two weeks in a row who like to handball heavy. The pressure factor will help us again this week if we make sure we bring it. Geelong has shown some really good footy, particularly in the last two weeks. They've banked two strong wins, and they've got a strong lineup. For us, it's about focusing on what we do best, and if we do that, I think we give ourselves every opportunity.” 

“I just love that we get 12 games this year. It's only Round 6, and it's a longer season, and a very important one here at home in Alberton. I do want to shout out our fans - the turnout we had last Saturday, after what's been some mixed results for us so far this season, I think it's important that our fans get out and support us again this Saturday and get really loud against the Cats. It’s absolutely an important game, but in a 12-game season, every single one matters.” 

“Georgie Prespakis has had a great season so far. She's one of their midfielders who's had a really good year and is certainly a top-end player in the competition. For our crew, we spend early parts of the week understanding our opposition, and then by Thursday, we’re very much focused on us.” 

Arnell on bouncing back from a disappointing loss in Perth 
“We were disappointed coming back from Perth. That was a tough one, and that flight's a bit longer than your average. Our group, led by Justine Mules-Robinson as skipper, and our leadership group, did well in turning around that mindset. I think when you've got 31 players on the list, we've got a handful of those who are progressing through ACL rehabs and bits and pieces, a couple who are not able to play this year. There's a fair bit of perspective in our group. So, we always get to Thursdays and turn things around as quickly as we need to.” 

Arnell on Lauren Young and Janelle Cuthbertson’s availability for selection 
“Both Lauren and Janelle have worked incredibly hard for a long period of time, and selection will come through tonight. Both have worked hard for a period of time. For Janelle, it's a tricky one. She's had different bits of injuries outside of her ACL rehab, and so there's probably a story there for her to get a little bit more footy under her belt before she's selected. And for Lauren, we'd love to see her train strongly tonight.” 

Arnell on Lauren Young’s potential AFLW debut 
“Lauren is a brilliant young person. I think there's this balance of young people getting drafted out of State League and under 18 academy pathways who've had a level of preparation. And then there's almost this silver lining for Lauren that because it's been so challenging for her to go through the rehab that she's had to go through with her ACL and other bits and pieces, she's had a lot more time to build her body up for this level of competition than other draftees get. I'm really looking forward to when she does play, the impact she can make with that extra time that she's had to prepare herself as an athlete.”