PORT Adelaide has secured former Brisbane midfielder Caitlin Wendland as an inactive replacement player for the upcoming AFLW season.
Initially considered a train-on player for Port Adelaide, the 20-year-old was enlisted by the Lions as a replacement player last season. She competed in three games during the regular season before returning to her home state of South Australia.
Beginning her career as a small pressure forward, Wendland transitioned to the midfield last year, which contributed to her growth as a player.
Wendland played a pivotal role in Central District’s SANFLW premiership triumph in 2023, notably recording 21 tackles in the Grand Final.
Throughout this season, she has showcased her skills in all nine of Central District’s matches, boasting an average of 16.2 disposals and 7.6 tackles per game.
Despite initially excelling in high-level cricket, Wendland only delved into Australian rules football in 2021.
Port Adelaide has the capacity to sign two replacements ahead of the season, following the injury to promising talent Lauren Young’s ACL in the SANFLW earlier this year, and the pregnancy announcement from experienced midfielder Hannah Dunn.
The AFLW pre-season officially kicks off on June 3, with the regular season slated to commence in the final week of August.
