Ash Woodland will run out for her 75th AFLW game this weekend against GWS. Image: Matt Sampson.

Ash Woodland’s journey to 75 AFLW games has been marked by challenges, resilience, change, and triumph. 

From being overlooked in her draft year to achieving premiership glory, earning All-Australian honours, and topping the league’s goalkicking charts in 2022, the talented footballer has experienced the highs and lows of professional football. 

Speaking ahead of her milestone game against the Giants this weekend, Woodland reflected on her proudest career moments, what reaching 75 games means to her, and the growth of the AFLW competition. 

The 27-year-old also shared her thoughts on the side’s first Showdown win, the group’s performance this season, and her transition to the midfield. 

Woodland on what the 75-game milestone means 
“It's a proud moment for me. I was overlooked in the first two years of the draft, which was really hard. But I think that's what's made me the player I am today – I'm more resilient, I've worked extremely hard to get to where I am today, I'm just honoured and really excited to play my 75th with Port Adelaide.” 

Woodland on her proudest career moments 
“I think the biggest moment in my career so far would be when I won the premiership in 2022, that was really exciting. I think you dream of it as a kid all the time, and that's why you play the sport that you do – that was a big moment for me in my career. But also, Erin Phillips’ last game here at Alberton, that’s one that I will never forget. The excitement on the girls’ faces and for Erin to kick that goal, just the feeling in that moment as a club.” 

Woodland on the growth of the AFLW competition 
“It's definitely grown, and you've got to sort of go with it, otherwise you get left behind. The girls and the talent that is coming through now is insane, and it's good to see for the competition. When I first started, I think we were playing about seven or eight games, and now we're up to 12. The growth is there, the skills of the game, just understanding footy, it's been a massive change, and it’s really good for the competition.” 

Woodland on her move to the midfield 
“It’s been exciting. I love a challenge, and the midfield is definitely a challenge. I think week in, week out, there's different stoppages and understanding how other teams play – there's a lot to it. And being able to learn off Abbey Dowrick and Matilda Scholz, it's been exciting. I've loved the role, and I've loved going up forward as well when they need me.” 

Ash Woodland says she has been learning from her fellow midfield guns. Image: AFL Photos.

Woodland on the side’s first Showdown win 
“It was so good, just the smiles on everyone's faces going into the game, we were confident. Even last year, we knew we had closed the gap a little bit, and we felt good after the game, even though we did lose last year. I think we felt really good knowing that we've closed the gap and next year was going to be a big one. I am so proud of the girls for keeping that effort for four quarters as well. They caught up a bit in the last quarter, but to understand our gameplay to hold up the ball in key moments, I think we did really well. It was just exciting for the club.” 

Woodland on preparing for the Giants on Saturday 
“I think we've finally clicked halfway through the season, which is kind of annoying for the group, but I think it gives us a good lead into next year knowing that we're really united. We definitely want the win against GWS. There’s still hopes for finals, even though it's very slim, but we've got our fingers crossed, and all we can do is win the game, so that's what we're going to go and do.” 

Woodland on the group’s performance this year 
“We had a harder draw this year, which we earned, so we knew it was going to be tough at the start of the year. We had worked extremely hard in the off-season and pre-season, so we definitely had confidence coming into the season. The season is so short, but we're finally on a roll now, so hopefully going into next year we will take that confidence, the growth and the learnings and start off strong next year.” 

Port Adelaide have won the last two matches, with equally impressive wins over Hawthorn and Adelaide. Image: Matt Sampson.

Woodland on how her body is holding up 
“My body is feeling kind of sore, but nothing holds me back from playing. I manage it during the week, and I do what I can to recover. With the program that we have at the club, it's kept me very fit and fit enough to be in the midfield. Normally I'm getting crashed in the forward line, so midfield running is a little bit different. But my body feels good, nice and fit.”