Port Adelaide senior coach Lauren Arnell expressed her pride in her team’s maturity and growth following their historic Showdown IV win, describing it as a defining moment in the club’s AFLW journey.
Speaking to the media post-game, Arnell praised her players’ composure under Adelaide’s pressure in a hotly contested clash, while also highlighting Indy Tahau’s record-breaking season and Jaz Stewart’s standout 17-disposal performance.
The Power’s Abbey Dowrick claimed the annual Showdown Medal, awarded to the best player as voted by a panel of independent judges. The midfielder finished with 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions, nine inside 50s and seven tackles - all team highs.
Arnell’s side will now turn their attention to Greater Western Sydney next Saturday afternoon.
Arnell on claiming a maiden Showdown IV win
“I’m obviously really pleased and amazingly proud of our group. It’s the fourth Showdown, and to win this one, and to have the game on our terms for the majority, and to sustain a lot of heat in the game, I thought showed a real sign of maturity from our players.”
“I think it's just a good reflection of where our program is at, that we can win one in our fourth season in the competition. I've just said to the players, without overstating it, I do think winning a Showdown at this point in our program is defining for us. Being the last wave of expansion and getting this win tonight is a really important moment for us. It also allows us an opportunity to keep one little eye on finals as well.”
“We didn’t change much in the second quarter. I think it was really just about taking the lessons that we needed to, particularly from earlier in the season. There are a lot of reflections where we've been in very similar moments against different teams this season. I think about the St Kilda game at three-quarter time — it was a very similar scoreline at three-quarter time for us tonight — and the way we were able to stick to the plan and remain calm and composed when Adelaide threw the absolute kitchen sink at us is something to be really proud of. I think it was really just about putting the game on our terms and our players putting their shoulders back and continuing the plan.”
“I think we've shown some really strong maturity. From the Bulldogs win and the Hawthorn win leading into tonight, we've had all the conversations that we need to and taken the learning that we needed to from there. It's a really good reflection of our players and the growth that they show each week.”
“There were a number of moments where there was a fair bit of spice out there, wasn’t there? And I can speak for our group — I think we held ourselves very maturely, and we stuck up for each other where we needed to, and we remained composed and continued to play footy. And I'm really proud of that. It was an exceptional game of footy for everyone to watch. Something we want to do is continue to play a good brand of footy and make sure that the people that come to watch, listen on the radio, or watch on the telly are enjoying our style of footy — and I think they would have tonight.”
Arnell on Indy Tahau’s record-breaking season
“It’s (the record for the most goals scored by an individual player in a season) amazing. I think that goal that she kicked to take the record is a special one, and hopefully on the cards for a goal of the year nomination as well. Indy’s had an incredible year, and I think matured as a forward as well. Without overstating it, she's still a very young player. I've noticed enormous growth this year, and it's really paying off for her.”
Arnell on Jaz Stewart’s Showdown performance
“Jazzy Stewart had a ripper game tonight. She's been quite unlucky in terms of selection throughout the year, and she's had others ahead of her, so to take her opportunity in the last couple of weeks is something to be really proud of.”
Arnell on finals hopes
“Obviously it's a slim chance of making finals, but we'll do everything that we can to put ourselves in the position to make it.”
