Port Adelaide midfielder Ashleigh Woodland is pleased to be closing the gap between her side and the top teams in the competition, with plenty of learnings coming from a tough 2025 fixture. 

Coming off the back of career-best performance where she recorded 25 disposals, 16 contested, possessions and 11 inside-50s, Woodland spoke to Adelaide media about the hard-fought game against top-four side Brisbane.  

The 27-year-old also touched on Piper Window and Abbey Dowrick’s injuries, her own growth this season, and Friday night’s upcoming clash against Hawthorn at Alberton. 

Woodland on the season so far 
“We haven't really been consistent throughout our season this year, but the biggest thing was we were just trying to close the gaps with the top teams that have been up there for the last 10 seasons. So, I think we did really well against Melbourne (to win). They've been a really consistent team, and then closing that gap with Brisbane. We didn’t win and we didn't play exactly how we wanted to for the four quarters but we definitely closed the gap.” 

Woodland on her performance on the weekend 
“Yeah, it's not really exciting if you don't win. So I don't really go on individual accolades. I really was hoping for the win against Brisbane up there. But I think as a midfield group, and across the whole team, we were really connected and united throughout the whole game. So despite the score, I think we played really well as a team. And our body language is up. We had our confidence going through all four quarters. So that was a really good growth for us.” 

Woodland on playing as a full-time midfielder 
“It’s been a bit challenging, forward line comes easy and natural to me. I've been a key forward my whole life. So I think learning and adapting to the midfield has been really exciting. I love a challenge and I've got the right group around me to help me as well, which has really helped me perform in that midfield so far.” 

Woodland on her best position in the future 
“I think it's just what the coaches want. I'm happy to go anywhere. I'm adaptable. I was first originally drafted as a half back, so yeah, I could play anywhere. I'm happy to play in the midfield if that's where they need me. And I'm happy to go up forward when they need me as well.” 

Woodland on the challenge of Hawthorn this weekend 
“Hawthorn are a really good side, and they've been consistent this year and last year they played really good footy. They're a really good defensive team this year, so we've just got to go at them aggressively in that offence. So hopefully we close that gap. I know they'll come at us really hard after that final’s win last year but we’re up for the challenge.” 

Woodland on playing night footy at Alberton 
“The girls love playing at Alberton, especially with a night game. I think Friday night here with our crowd, it's an amazing atmosphere. I know it gets us up and about and especially when we need it in some points of the game. Our crowd is really good here. We always want to win at our home deck, and especially for our fans. Our fans go all out for us, and it's Pride Round this weekend. So yeah, absolutely, we want to win here for our last home game.” 

Woodland on Piper Window’s injury 
“Pipes had a really good off-season and pre-season, she's worked really well on her kicking, her endurance. So not having her in the midfield has been really hard, but we've got that depth now and we’ve got players coming up and filling those spots. So on the weekend it was really sad seeing her go down so early. She's worked really hard on that injury front this year and to see her go down with that facial injury was pretty horrific.” 

Woodland on the team’s performance compared to last year 
“I think we just haven’t really been consistent with what we want to do out on the field. I think we’ve definitely seen moments of it. We've got a harder fixture this year, and we earned it last year, and absolutely, we want to play the harder teams. So if that means having learnings from games, then I think it will just build us up to be better in the future. So yeah, we've definitely had a lot of learnings this year, but just hoping to end the season on a high and win these next three games.” 

Woodland on Abbey Dowrick’s quad injury 
“So Abbey should be a test this week, which will be really good for our midfield. Her drive and her long kicks into our forward line is something we really need. (Abbey and Piper) are key players of our game, and obviously as a midfield against a good team as well, hot day, having that extra mid on the bench would have been helpful, but I think the way that we went about it, and stood up for the rest of the game, I think was really good. Some of the girls played three quarters without a rest. So to be able to know that you've worked so hard in the off-season and pre-season, to have that tank in you and to fill those spots is a really big growth are for us.” 

Woodland on the upcoming Showdown 
“I’m really excited. I think Showdowns are massive, being in SA and we absolutely love the rivalry. So I'm excited to play. It'll be a good one, Friday night again at Norwood Oval. So really excited to play the Crows.”