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Port Adelaide's aggressive AFLW recruiting drive has netted Fremantle star Gemma Houghton ahead of their inaugural season.
Port Adelaide have poached Fremantle AFLW star Gemma Houghton to spearhead their forward line alongside Erin Phillips in their inaugural campaign.
Houghton booted 40 goals in 46 games for Fremantle and has established herself as one of the AFLW's most dynamic and consistent forwards.
"I'm feeling like a weight has sort of lifted off my shoulders," she said.
"I'm obviously very excited and very keen to get over there and can't wait to catch up with Erin (Phillips) and the other players that have committed to the club already.
"In some ways, it's definitely emotional for me. It's a big change, but I'm feeling really happy with my decision.
"I wanted to challenge myself, take on a new opportunity and when I looked at the Port Adelaide list, the management and coaches in place, it just got me really excited.
"I'll be surrounded by such strong women and being an expansion team, I've got my own career path to continue to forge."
A proud Yindjibarndi woman, Houghton said she also wanted to work with Indigenous youth in Adelaide.
Former basketballer Houghton played all six seasons for Fremantle after being spotted at a talent identification day in 2016.
Power AFLW coach Lauren Arnell hailed Houghton, who won Fremantle's goalkicking in 2019 and 2020 and was All-Australian in 2019 and 2021, as a crucial signing.
"She is really experienced, successful, a two-time All-Australian and one of the most athletic players in the competition," Arnell said.
"She has a really nice leap, is very quick and has the ability to bring pressure and turn games around.
"Having very capable female leaders in our program is important to what we are building at Port Adelaide and we are so excited that Gemma will add to that, particularly in the Indigenous engagement space."
Port have also signed former Crows Justine Mules and Ange Foley, and Brisbane midfielder Maria Moloney.
The AFLW dates have not been locked in yet but season six is expected to commence in late August.
