AFLW trade: Port Adelaide trades Rising Star winner Hannah Ewings to cross-town rival Adelaide

Two years after she was crowned the AFLW’s rising star, Hannah Ewings has become the latest player to cross the SA divide after being traded by Port Adelaide. SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON explains why.

Hannah Ewings goals for Port Adelaide

Former Rising Star winner Hannah Ewings says her decision to cross the great divide in South Australian footy is “driven by the desire to reignite my passion for football”.

Ewings burst onto the scene in her debut season in 2022, winning the AFLW’s Rising Star award and claiming the first ever Port Adelaide best-and-fairest.

But she struggled to hit those same heights in her second season and was dropped by the Power for a game against North Melbourne for “not meeting performance standards and expectations”.

The 20-year-old from Whyalla then sat out the 2024 campaign, in which the Power had its best ever season and made a preliminary final, taking “extended personal leave from the group”.

It is understood that personal struggles prompted that decision.

Hannah Ewings nails the set shot 🔨#AFLW | #AFLWSaintsPowerpic.twitter.com/xOo4McIjBM

— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) October 23, 2022

On Tuesday, she was traded to the Power’s fierce rivals Adelaide for pick No. 39 in next week’s draft.

“As many of you know, the past couple of years have been really tough for me, both in footy and my personal life,” Ewings said in an Instagram post.

“The decision to take personal leave this year was very much a result of this, as well as feeling like I’d lost some of my passion for the game.

“The time off has been refreshing and has given me a chance to reset and feel more like myself again.”

Ewings thanked the Power for drafting her but said the decision to move to the Crows — where she was a member of the club’s academy — was fuelled by a desire to rediscover her passion for football.

“As we all know, people grow and evolve,” she said.

“My decision to move to a new club is driven by the desire to reignite my passion for football and continue pushing myself forward.”

Hannah Ewings from the tight angle! 👌#AFLWSaintsPowerpic.twitter.com/OLC85X2KRO

— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) September 17, 2023

Crows head of women’s football Phil Harper said the club was excited to welcome Ewings back to West Lakes.

“Hannah is very talented, she’s had some personal challenges to overcome recently, but she’s ready to continue her AFLW career,” Harper said.

“We will support Hannah to get back on the footy field and believe she can play a role in our team.”

Port Adelaide AFLW list manager Naomi Maidment said the trade would allow Ewings to have a fresh start and give the Power more flexibility in the current trade period and 2024 draft.

“Hannah took some time away from the club this year and it’s clear a new environment may be what she needs to continue her career,” Maidment said.

“We thank her for what she has contributed to our club.

“While it is sad to see Hannah go, attaining an extra pick gives the club more options during the player movement period.”

While Ewings has arrived at the Crows, they have waved goodbye to premiership player Najwa Allen and Tayla Levy as the duo departed in a four-club trade.

Allen joined Hawthorn and Levy the Western Bulldogs in the deal that netted the Crows picks No. 39 — which was used on Ewings — and No. 43.