Port Adelaide star midfielder Abbey Dowrick has committed her future to the club, signing a contract extension that will see her remain at Alberton until at least the end of the 2030 season. 

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a career-best campaign in 2026, establishing herself as one of the competition’s premier midfielders through her clearance work, consistency and ability to influence games. 

Dowrick currently sits second in the AFLW in clearances and recorded a career-high 28 disposals in the Power’s Round 10 clash against Brisbane, continuing a season of outstanding individual performances. 

The midfielder is averaging 23.1 disposals, 6.1 tackles, 7.7 clearances and 15.9 kicks per game this season. 

Her standout performance came in Showdown V, when she claimed her second consecutive Showdown Medal with a dominant display in Port Adelaide’s second win against the cross-town rivals. 

Abbey Dowrick became the first back-to-back AFLW Showdown Medallist. Image: AFL Photos.

Dowrick finished the match with a game-high 24 disposals, eight tackles, 11 clearances, a goal, and 323 metres gained, underlining her importance to the team’s midfield. 

The West Australian product said she was delighted to commit to Port Adelaide for the long term. 

“I’m absolutely stoked to be staying here for a few more years. I love it here at Port Adelaide, so I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Dowrick said. 

“Port were the first ones to give me an opportunity to play AFLW in the first place. I love it here, and I couldn’t imagine playing footy anywhere else. I also wanted to repay the club for the chance they took on me.  

“I really believe in what we’re building and the game style that Glenn’s coaching as well. I love the girls, the club, and I just love Adelaide as well. It’s become my second home. 

“I feel like I’m continuing to grow as a player and as a person, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together over the next few years.” 

A Port Adelaide player since its inaugural season, Dowrick says Adelaide has become home. Image: Brooke Bowering.

Reflecting on her career-best form, Dowrick said a strong off-season had helped her build the fitness and consistency needed to take her game to another level. 

“I had a pretty decent off-season and put a lot of work into building my fitness,” Dowrick said. 

“I even tried swimming for the first time, which was something different, but I think that extra work has really helped me this year in terms of my consistency. 

“I really wanted to be a more consistent and reliable player this year, and I think the work in the off-season really helped that. 

“I also went pretty hard on my stoppage craft and centre bounce work, as well as always trying to get better at my fundamentals. 

“I’m pretty happy with how things are tracking, but I’m also always chasing how I can get better and give more to the team.” 

The 24-year-old is enjoying a career-best season, dominating in each of her appearances in 2026. Image: Brooke Bowering.

Having joined Port Adelaide’s inaugural AFLW squad ahead of the club’s entry into the competition in 2022, the Western Australian product has developed into one of the team’s most influential players. 

Dowrick finished runner-up in the Season Seven Rising Star award in her debut year before claiming Port Adelaide’s best and fairest in 2023. She has continued to feature among the club’s leading performers, finishing runner-up in 2024. 

She has also earned consecutive AFLPA 22under22 selections in 2023 and 2024, an All-Australian nomination in 2023 and back-to-back Showdown Medals in 2025 and 2026. 

Head of AFLW Dan Merrett said securing Dowrick’s services for the long term was a significant result for the club. 

“Abbey has taken her game to another level this season and is showing just how damaging she can be as a midfielder,” Merrett said. 

“Her ability to win clearances, compete around the contest and consistently impact games makes her an incredibly important player for us. 

“She has worked exceptionally hard on her game, and we’ve seen the rewards of that this year. We’re thrilled she sees her future at Port Adelaide and are excited about what she can continue to achieve in the years ahead.”