Port Adelaide’s Abbey Dowrick is the kind of person who leaves people and places better than when she found them. She’s Port Adelaide through and through.
She’s authentic, down-to-earth and calm, spreading kindness through the simple and thoughtful acts she carries out each day.
But she’s also witty, with an unmistakable sense of humour that’s both hilarious and uniquely her own.
Perhaps her most special trait, though, is her humility, in life and in football.
Nicknamed ‘Rick’, a moniker taken from her surname, on the field she’s skilled, athletic, tough in the contest, smart, and has a booming kick that’s become a staple of her game.
But she’ll also be the first to tell you what she wants to improve on at the end of a game or training session.
Whenever Dowrick is celebrated, whether that’s within the four walls at Alberton or in the public eye, she’s often the first to say, ‘but what about’, before listing off her teammates.
So, it was fitting when asked to sit down with portadelaidefc.com.au ahead of running out for the 50th time that her immediate response was: ‘Oh yeah, I keep forgetting’.
It’s a testament to who she is - team first in every sense of the word.
That response was quickly followed by: ‘I’m so stoked’, but not necessarily just because she’d reached the milestone. More so because she’d reached it as a Port Adelaide player.
Describing the club as home as she prepares to run out at Alberton this weekend, Dowrick’s signature humility shines through as she reflects on the journey to game 50.
A talented footballer from a young age, the Western Australian product arrived at Port Adelaide as part of its inaugural AFLW squad, a versatile young player who had already tasted senior football with Subiaco in the WAFL and Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL.
Now, as she prepares to play her 50th game, Dowrick admits she never imagined she would reach the milestone.
“I never thought I’d get here. I’ve learnt so much over the last 50 games, not just as a player but as a person. There have been plenty of highs and lows, but I’m really proud to have reached this milestone,” Dowrick said.
The midfielder said the people around her have played a significant role throughout her career, with her incredibly close bond with her family a shining light throughout her journey.
“I’m really lucky to have had some great people around me throughout my footy career. I wouldn’t be where I am without my family.
“They’ve been my rock from the beginning, and I’m so grateful to have them in my corner. They’ve played a huge part in getting me here. I’d be lost without them.”
Dowrick also credited the people within the four walls at Alberton for helping her develop both on and off the field.
“There are so many amazing people within the four walls of the footy club who have been really influential in my development, both as a player and as a person.
“Port Adelaide is a special club, and I still pinch myself that I’m able to be part of it. I can’t thank them enough.”
Dowrick will share her milestone with captain Justine Mules-Robinson, who becomes just the 12th player in AFLW history to reach 100 games, and the first for Port Adelaide.
And, in true Dowrick style, she’s far more comfortable when asked about her captain’s achievement than speaking about her own.
“I’m sharing this milestone with Juzzy, who is celebrating her 100th, which is an amazing honour,” Dowrick said.
“Juz is an incredible person and player. She’s only the 12th player in the competition to reach 100 games, and it will be an honour to run out alongside her. It will be a special day.”
After reflecting on the journey that has brought her to 50 games, Dowrick is looking forward to celebrating the occasion where she feels most at home.
“I’m so stoked to reach the 50-game milestone. Port Adelaide is home, and I wouldn’t have wanted to reach this point in my career anywhere else.
“To be able to play in front of a home crowd at Alberton is so special. We have the best fans in the league, and nothing beats running out here on game day.”
