Hockey great Haslam to head Port in AFLW

Australian hockey legend Juliet Haslam will be the architect of Port Adelaide’s entry into the AFLW.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist has been appointed as the head of the Port program ahead of them joining the AFLW in 2023.

The 52-year-old is the first appointment to the Power’s AFLW operations.

“I’ve watched closely the development of the AFLW competition over the last five years, and to now have this opportunity to be involved and help build a successful program at my club is incredibly exciting,” Haslam said in a club statement.

Apart from Haslam’s strong sporting and post-playing career credentials, she bleeds black and white – her father Ross Haslam played more than 100 games for Port in the SANFL.

Her husband is former Port and Melbourne player Andrew Obst.

Haslam was named SA’s greatest hockey player in 2004.

She played for Australia at the 1992, ’96 and 2000 Olympics and was a member of the gold medal-winning teams at the Atlanta and Sydney Games.

Haslam also won gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, as well as two World Cup gold medals and the Champions Trophy five times.

After retiring in 2000, Haslam has had a variety of corporate roles and served on the Hockey Australia board.

“Juliet’s experience in dealing with elite athletes at international level across a wide variety of sports enables her to bring a unique perspective and understanding to our AFLW program,” said Port chief executive Matthew Richardson.

“She also has an excellent understanding of the business of sport which is invaluable as we set out to not only build a successful program on-field but ensure the integration across the various commercial areas of our club is successful.”

Haslam will be responsible for Port’s AFLW football operations, culture, coaching appointments, list management and high performance.

Port are among four teams that will join the AFLW for the 2023 season, taking it to an 18-team competition.

Hockey great Haslam to head Port in AFLW
Independent Information