For Adelaide two-time Premiership star Danielle Ponter, family is everything.
But six months ago, and after commuting back and forth from Darwin to Adelaide during the past five AFLW seasons, the 23-year-old made the decision to permanently move to SA.
It was a tough decision but ultimately, according to Ponter, the right one, as it has helped her take her game to new heights.
Her family will, however, make the trip to Adelaide this weekend to watch as Ponter notches her 50th AFLW game against Gold Coast at Unley Oval on Sunday.
She said it would make the milestone even more special.
“I have a lot of family coming down for this weekend, which will be great for me,” Ponter said.
“I haven’t seen my family since before pre-season, I’m very keen for them to come down and watch the game, but also just to hang out and chill, will be nice.
“(The move) has given me access to the staff and facility during pre-season, which has helped me quite a bit.”
Adelaide selected Ponter at the 2018 AFLW Draft, giving the skilful forward a chance to follow the footsteps of her uncle, Essendon legend Michael Long, and cousin, Hawthorn great Cyril Rioli.
The classy ball winner made her debut in Round Two 2019 and received a Rising Star nomination in Round Four of that year.
She then went on to line up in the Crows’ 2019 and Season Six Premierships.
Ponter has enjoyed a career-best start to the 2023 campaign, averaging 13 disposals, three marks, 3.3 tackles, and has booted six goals from the first four games.
She said hitting the 50-game milestone would be a proud moment and one she didn’t think she would hit so early in her career.
“When you hear the names like Chelsea Randall and a lot of the other girls that are hitting that milestone this season it is crazy to think that me at such a young age is hitting that milestone as well,” Ponter said.
“Thinking back on it now it feels like it has (gone fast), but it’s obviously been five seasons in the making.
“I think that I grow in confidence every year and every pre-season that I have on the track with the girls really motivates me to be better.
“I’m just looking forward to putting all that work into the game this weekend and seeing how we go.”
Ponter’s form has coincided with the Crows’ impressive start to its 2023 campaign, with the side heading into this weekend’s clash undefeated.
The dynamic forward was, however, expecting a tough game against the Suns.
“I guess the girls being 4-0 that’s a good start for everyone considering the short season that we do have, so it is important to get those wins early,” Ponter said.
“We are really looking to carry on from that and see what we can do for the rest of the season and hopefully get some more wins on the board.
“They (Gold Coast) have won their last three games so we’re expecting a really hot and fiery contest and a fight for four quarters.
“Hopefully we can get another win on the board for my 50th.”
Adelaide takes on Gold Coast at Unley Oval on Sunday afternoon at 4:35pm.
Tickets available here.
