Yartapuulti has secured the signatures of three experienced members of its AFLW playing group, with Ebony O’Dea, Cheyenne Hammond and Maria Moloney signing one-year contract extensions to remain at Alberton until the end of 2027. 

The trio have played a combined 191 AFLW games and have each played an important role in the development of the Power’s program, bringing experience, leadership, and versatility to the group. 

Their recommitments will provide valuable continuity as the team continues to build under the helm of new senior coach Glenn Strachan and his coaching group. 

O’Dea has been a model of consistency since arriving at Yartapuulti from Collingwood ahead of the 2022 season, playing all 50 games in the club’s AFLW history – the only player to have done so. 

The 27-year-old defender has built a reputation as a fierce competitor, embracing the contested side of the game and becoming a reliable presence in defence. She has averaged 6.7 disposals, 5.3 kicks and 2.3 tackles so far this season, taking her career tally to 70 games. 

Ebony O'Dea has shown remarkable consistency during her time at Yartapuulti, playing her fiftieth club game this weekend. Image: Matt Sampson.

“I’m super pumped; I just love playing football. I love our group and everything we've been building, and our new game style this year has been so exciting to develop and something we’ll continue to develop next year,” O’Dea said. 

“I feel really lucky; I didn't get that continuity in my first few seasons. To just be able to pull on the guernsey so many times in a row, it's an absolute blessing. It’s also a credit to all our coaches and support staff here to keep us ready for every game. I’ve been fortunate to be able to play that many games in a row.” 

O’Dea’s value to the program extends beyond her on-field performances, having been recognised by her teammates as the Players’ Player at the club’s 2022 Best and Fairest. 

Moloney has been a key part of Yartapuulti’s AFLW journey since the club’s inaugural season, having joined the Power after making her AFLW debut with Brisbane in 2020. 

The 31-year-old inside midfielder has played 57 AFLW games and remains one of the most respected members of the playing group, with her strength, contested work and enormous running capacity making her a consistent contributor. 

Maria Moloney has been inducted into the leadership group this year following exemplary on and off-field performances over her time at the club. Image: Matt Sampson.

Currently a member of the club’s leadership group, Moloney is averaging 16 disposals, 8.3 kicks, 7.7 handballs and 9.7 tackles so far this season. 

“I cannot wait to go for another year. I think we've always had a great group, and the longer that we are together, the better it's becoming,” Moloney said. 

Hammond, meanwhile, will enter her fifth season at Alberton after returning to her home state from the Gold Coast Suns. 

The 27-year-old has played 64 AFLW games since making her debut in 2020 and has become a valuable contributor with her running capacity and versatility across the wing and half-back. 

Hammond is averaging 6.7 disposals, 2.7 handballs and 109.8 metres gained this season, providing the side with important run and carry. 

 “I am so excited to be on for another year. To be able to play here for my fifth year now, it’s pretty special. The opportunity to be with the girls for another year and to keep building what we have been doing so far is super exciting,” Hammond said. 

A much-loved member of the team, Cheyenne Hammond is excited to stay at Alberton for another year. Image: Matt Sampson.

“It’s been great to welcome some fresh energy and ideas into the program with a new coaching group. I think we're working towards something really special, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.” 

“Having Glenn and the new coaching staff join the program this year has been a really positive thing for the group, it’s been really energising and you can feel that we’re building something pretty unique and special.” 

Yartapuulti’s Head of AFLW Dan Merrett said retaining the experienced trio was important for the continued growth of the program. 

“Ebony, Cheyenne and Maria each bring something really important to our football program, both on the field and within our playing group,” Merrett said. 

“They’re experienced players who understand what it takes to perform at AFLW level, but they also have a genuine desire to help this group continue to grow. 

“All three have embraced the direction we’re heading in under Glenn and our coaching group, and they’ve played an important role in establishing the standards and environment we want at Port Adelaide. 

“Having that experience and continuity around our younger players is really valuable, and we’re delighted to have Ebony, Cheyenne and Maria committed to the club through to the end of 2027.”