Port Adelaide has secured the futures of four emerging talents, with co-vice-captain Sachi Syme, Katelyn Pope, Grace Parsons and Jemma Charity signing one-year contract extensions to remain at Alberton until at least the end of the 2027 AFLW season. 

The quartet have each made valuable contributions to the club, continuing to develop their games and establish themselves as important members of the side. 

Syme has played 44 games since making her debut in 2022, establishing herself as a reliable and competitive defender. 

Selected with Port Adelaide’s third pick in the 2022 AFLW Draft, the 21-year-old has continued to grow her influence at the club, earning a place in the leadership group as co-vice-captain ahead of the 2026 season. 

Despite an interrupted 2026 season, Sachi Syme has lead superbly off the field and will continue bringing her infectious energy into 2027. Image: Brooke Bowering.

She was named in the AFL Players Association's 22under22 team and received the club's Coaches' Award in 2025, before injury interrupted her 2026 campaign.  

Pope has played 48 games across her AFLW career, including 37 appearances for Port Adelaide since joining the club ahead of the 2023 season. 

A zippy mid-forward, the South Australian brings speed and running capacity to the side and enjoyed a strong 2026 campaign, continuing to take her game to new heights. 

Parsons joined Port Adelaide ahead of the 2026 season as an injury replacement player, making her AFLW debut after relocating from Sydney to pursue her football ambitions. 

Standing at 180cm, the athletic tall has shown promise as both a forward and ruck, playing four games in her debut season. Her ability to compete in the air and impact the scoreboard makes her an exciting prospect for the future. 

Katelyn Pope's speediness and pressure saw her play almost every game this year. Image: Brooke Bowering.

Charity was selected with pick 40 in the 2024 AFLW Draft and is a talented midfielder-forward recognised for her football intelligence and class with the ball. 

The 20-year-old has previously impressed at SANFLW level and was named an Under 18 All-Australian in 2023. 

She missed the 2026 season after suffering an ACL injury during the pre-season, but remains an important part of the program as she progresses through her rehabilitation. 

Port Adelaide Head of AFLW Dan Merrett said retaining the services of the four players was an important step in continuing to build the club's AFLW program. 

Signed as an injury replacement player, Grace Parsons quickly made an impact, debuting in Round 4. Image: Matt Sampson.

“We're really pleased to have all four players recommit to the club for another season,” Merrett said. 

“They each bring different strengths to our program, and we're excited about what they can continue to contribute as individuals and as a group. 

“It's important that we continue to develop our young talent and provide opportunities for players to grow. We're looking forward to seeing what the next 12 months brings for Grace and Jemma as they continue their progression at AFLW level. 

“Sachi has developed into a really important leader for us, both on and off the field. Her competitiveness and work ethic are outstanding and, despite an interrupted season with injury, she's continued to have a really positive influence on the group. 

Jemma Charity will hopefully return to the field in 2027, having been an important member of the program over the past two years. Image: Matt Sampson.

“Katelyn provides important speed to our side and understands what it takes to be part of a high-performance environment, having built experience across both her cricket and football careers. That experience will be important for our young side next year. 

“She enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season, and I'm excited to see what she can achieve over the next 12 months.”