Ash Woodland freshly in the Port Adelaide colours. (Image: @pafc_w / Twitter).
Ashleigh Woodland will be looking to continue her AFLW journey after she was announced as Port Adelaide’s first signing of the AFLW’s Priority Signing Period.
Speaking to media at Alberton Oval, Port Adelaide’s newest recruit was ecstatic about joining the club that she supported whilst growing up.
“Yeah, it’s pretty cool. I used to wear the black, white and teal all the time at Westgate ward all the time. I used to try and wear it under my school uniform. So I’m really excited to be putting on those colours again,” Woodland said.
“I think I’m just really excited to come to a developing side in SA. I know a few of the girls, I’ve played with a few of the girls here.
“Just to be able to bring what I’ve learnt in my journey so far. [I’m] really excited to play for Port Adelaide.”
The 24-year-old has crossed over to cross-town rivals following a three-year stint at the Adelaide Crows. Her move to Alberton comes off the back of successful campaigns with Adelaide and previously with the Melbourne Demons.
Overall, the South Australian native has already amassed an impressive football resume as she arrives at Port ahead of season eight with an All-Australian and a premiership medal already to her name.
“I think the knowledge and what I’ve learnt so far in my AFL journey could really help some of the younger girls,” Woodland said.
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Woodland’s arrival will also see her reunite with former Crows teammates Erin Phillips, Ange Foley, and Justine Mules, a prospect the new recruit is delighted by.
“I love ‘Flip’ (Phillips), Ange (Foley) and ‘Muzzy’ (Mules). We’ve played together before so [I’m] really excited to be back out on the field with them,” Woodland said.
“Yeah, it’ll feel like old times but I’m excited to get on the track.”
While she shared her excitement for her new chapter ahead, Woodland expressed her gratitude for her former club, the Adelaide Crows.
“I’m so grateful for what the Adelaide Football Club have done for me. They found love for football for me again, so I probably wouldn’t be in this opportunity to be at Port Adelaide if it wasn’t for them. [I’m] very excited to start this new journey and can’t wait to be out on the track,” She said.
“I think naturally people will be disappointed [about the move]. When you fall in love with a player for your club, it’s probably hard to see them leave and especially to the big cross-town rival. I think it would be naturally hard for [fans].
“But I’ve seen some of the Port Adelaide supporters and I think they’re pretty excited.”
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