Port Adelaide have bolstered their AFLW coaching ranks with the addition of former Brisbane and Gold Coast defender Sam Virgo as an assistant coach.
Virgo, who called time on her career at the end of the 2021 season, amassed 29 games at the top level across five seasons in the AFLW.
The 35-year-old began her career with the Lions as a member of Brisbane's inaugural squad, claiming All-Australian honours in her first season before moving to the Suns ahead of the 2020 season.
The South Australian has returned to her home state with a move to Port Adelaide, joining Lauren Arnell's strikeforce after securing a Level 3 Coaching Course.
"I feel excited and thrilled for this opportunity," Virgo said on her move to Alberton.ย
โI look forward to further contributing to the AFLW foundations of this proud and historic club by drawing on my previous experience in an expansion environment.
โLoz (Arnell) is very measured, and one of her strengths is her ability to apply perspective and connect with people. She also says it how it is. I look forward to being in an environment she is creating and adding value whilst learning from the coaching team and further developing my coaching craft.โ
Port Adelaide AFLW boss Juliet Haslam expressed her delight to have the former Gold Coast co-captain join the Power's cause ahead of the club's second season in the competition.
"We are thrilled to welcome Sam to Port Adelaide in 2023," Haslam said.
"She will bring fantastic knowledge and energy to our club and we're pleased to add another former AFLW player to our coaching ranks to support Lauren and the rest of the coaching group.โ
Virgo replaces the departed Hamish Harltett, who has joined the club's AFL coaching squad in a development position.
Port Adelaide are set to confirm their coaching team in the coming weeks as they plan to improve on their one-win Season 7 campaign.
