Ella Boag, Shineah Goody, Matilda Scholz and Abbey Dowrick with Dr Danielle Coupland and Adelaide Thunderbirds player Tayla Williams. Image: Brooke Bowering.

Footy is an endurance sport, periods aren’t.  

These powerful words underpinned a heartfelt presentation from Adelaide Thunderbirds player and endometriosis advocate Tayla Williams to Port Adelaide’s AFLW players on Friday afternoon.  

The session came ahead of the Power’s Round 8 clash, which aims to raise awareness of the condition through a range of initiatives in partnership with Jones Radiology. 

Within the four walls of the club’s lecture theatre, Williams was joined by Dr Danielle Coupland to speak directly to the players about endometriosis, its symptoms, diagnosis process, and impact.  

Williams bravely shared her journey to diagnosis and discussed how she manages the condition while playing professional netball. Image: Brooke Bowering.

But perhaps the most impactful part of the presentation was when Williams courageously shared her personal seven-year journey to diagnosis, offering valuable insight for players to better understand and manage a condition that affects so many. 

The initiative’s aim is to empower the club’s players, who serve as important community role models, with knowledge not only for their own wellbeing but also so they can advocate for awareness in the broader community. 

Nearly one in seven Australians will experience endometriosis in their lifetime, with symptoms often starting during the teenage years, a demographic that is importantly highly engaged with AFLW.  

Dr Danielle Coupland presents on the condition's symptoms, diagnosis process and impacts. Image: Brooke Bowering.

The condition presents differently for each individual, and there is between a 6.5-to-eleven-year delay in diagnosis, leaving sufferers in pain for a significant portion of their lives, and can lead to fertility issues. 

As part of the club’s awareness campaign, players wore bespoke yellow socks - the colour of Endometriosis Australia – during Friday’s captain’s run and will share information through its digital platforms in the lead up to Round 8. 

To find out more information on endometriosis and the signs and symptoms, please click here.