Port Adelaide has named an extended squad for Sunday afternoon’s clash against Melbourne at Casey Fields, with the final team to be confirmed at 4:30pm ACST on Friday. 

Round 5 will mark milestone games for Ella Heads and Amelie Borg, with the defensive duo set to play their 50th AFLW games after being named in the backline. 

Co-vice-captain Borg made her AFLW debut as part of Port Adelaide’s inaugural side in 2022 and has been a picture of consistency across her 49 games, missing just one match in five seasons. 

Selected with the Power’s sixth pick in the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft, the 21-year-old quickly established herself as a mature and composed member of the backline. 

A strong lockdown defender, Borg has quickly become known for her strength and mobility with an ability to compete in the air, making her a difficult opponent for some of the competition’s best forwards. 

Heads made her AFLW debut with the Sydney Swans in 2022 before joining Port Adelaide during the 2024 AFLW Trade Period. 

A natural footballer, Heads quickly became a valuable addition to the Power’s young defensive brigade, with her football IQ, contest work and ability to read the play among the hallmarks of her game. 

The 23-year-old recently secured her long-term future at Alberton, signing a four-year contract extension that will see her remain with the club through to the end of the 2030 season. 

Emily Elkington is set to return to the side named in the forward line, alongside Grace Parsons who is in line to play her second AFLW game after making her debut in Round 4. 

Midfielder Ella Boag and co-vice-captain Sachi Syme will miss the clash through injury and Lauren Young has been managed for the Demons clash. 

Gemma Houghton, Kirsty Lamb, Crane, Maria Moloney, Piper Window, Lucy Boyd, Jasmine Evans and train-on player Aoife Berry have been named on the extended bench, which will be trimmed to five when the final team is confirmed at 4:30pm ACST on Friday.