Port Adelaide’s under-15 girls academy team put on a dominant display at Unley Oval on Sunday, securing a 39-point win over Adelaide.
Following a three-week training block at Alberton, the academy program for 2026 culminated in the Showdown clash, which featured some of South Australia’s brightest young female talent.
Defender Emmerson Warren was electric in a best on ground performance, recognised for her defensive acts and ability to rebound out of the back half.
Of the 28 girls involved, eight meet the criteria for the Next Generation Academy through their multicultural background, First Nations heritage or as a father-daughter, meaning the club has priority access to these players in their AFLW draft year.
“It’s been a really successful few months for our girls academy program, where we’ve been able to connect with some exciting young footballers coming through the ranks,” academy manager Sean Lemmens said.
“With the explosion of the AFLW over the past decade, the value of the female pathway cannot be understated, and we are really pleased to be playing a role in that.
“Young girls involved in academies can be better prepared than ever before for the rigors and expectations of the AFLW, if and when they are drafted.
“We are really proud of the full team performance on Sunday against the Crows academy. There were some very encouraging signs for the future of female football in South Australia.”
Academy training sessions throughout the training block were led by AFLW assistant coach Aiden Yelland, alongside coaches from SANFL clubs.
Port Adelaide mid/forward Ellie Hampson also supported the program in a coaching capacity, giving a first-hand account of what it takes to make it at the top level.
“Having Ellie involved with the group this year has been incredibly beneficial,” Lemmens said.
“Not only has she had the opportunity to grow through this coaching experience, she’s a natural inspiration to young girls who hope to be in her shoes one day.
“Her background as a premiership player and knowledge of the women’s game is invaluable, and shows our girls exactly where this pathway could lead if they’re willing to put in the work.”
As with the male academy program, Port Adelaide can welcome promising footballers from SANFL clubs Norwood, South Adelaide, West Adelaide and Woodville-West Torrens to Alberton, aiming to nurture their development, educate about high performance and recovery, and strengthen their community.
Under-15 girls academy scoreboard
Port Adelaide 7.9.(51)
Adelaide 1.6.(12)
