Port Adelaide AFLW senior coach Lauren Arnell has announced she is expecting a baby daughter with her partner Lexi Edwards.
The club’s inaugural head coach shared the exciting news with staff and players earlier this week.
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With the baby due in early 2024, Arnell expects to be able to see out the upcoming AFLW season, Port Adelaide’s second in the now 18-team strong competition.
In an emotional moment captured by the club and posted to their social media, Arnell addressed the AFLW team meeting.
“I have some really nice news to share with you,” she said.
“You’re going to have a new little sister in January,” before patting her stomach and turning to look at an ultrasound on the screen behind her.
The team erupted in cheers and claps before one of the players said, “Can we give you a hug?”
The players rushed to embrace her, including star captain and three-time premiership player Erin Phillips.
The 36-year-old has been part of the AFL men’s coaching group during the AFLW off-season, as well as coaching the forwards on game day in the SANFL program.
Arnell stepped back from these duties earlier in the month, and was able to finally provide the men’s group some clarity as to why, saying, “because I’m pregnant and due in January.”
Arnell hung up the boots in 2021 following a 36-game playing career with both the Brisbane Lions and Carlton.
Part of the AFLW League since its inaugural season in 2017, she made history, becoming the first former AFLW player to become a senior coach in the competition.
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