Three-time premiership Crow Justine Mules has departed Adelaide to sign with Port Adelaide in another steal by the expansion AFLW club.
Mules played 49 games for the Crows since the inception of the competition, after being a speculative, late pick in the first AFLW draft in 2016.
After an up-and-down beginning to the 2017 season, the midfielder secured a place in the Crows' line-up and became an integral piece of the most dominant team seen in the AFLW to date.
A quick and tough midfielder with running ability outside of the contest, she was named the Crows' best defensive player in 2020 and came third in the best and fairest.
The 27-year-old will join ex-Crows leaders Erin Phillips and Ange Foley at Alberton, to be coached by ex-Brisbane premiership player Lauren Arnell.
Three-time premiership player Justine Mules has committed to signing with @pafc_w 🤩#weareportadelaide
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) May 5, 2022
Mules told the Port Adelaide website that she was elated to make the move.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic, just so ready to be on board and I’m really looking forward to supporting the younger players coming through over the next few months,” she said.
“I came for a tour last week through the clubrooms, and to see the memorabilia and history on display here is just so exciting. For us girls to now be a part of that is just the next step toward chasing greatness for this club.”
Crows Head of Football Phil Harper stated that he was saddened by Mules' departure, but understood the decision made.
“She’s been a popular member of our squad and played an integral role in laying the foundations for our women’s team...we will miss her infectious smile and vibrant personality," he said.
“However, having four more teams enter the competition next season...meant that there was always going to be some player movement and these types of scenarios."
Harper added that the "vast majority" of the 2022 Premiership team had verbally committed to staying at the club ahead of the yet-to-be-announced AFLW sign and trade period.
