Caitlin Wendland
| Caitlin Wendland | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Caitlin Wendland | ||
| Date of birth | September 13, 2003 | ||
| Place of birth | Willaston, South Australia | ||
| Original team(s) | Central District (SANFLW) | ||
| Draft | Injury replacement (Brisbane), 2023 | ||
| Debut | Round 7, 2023, Brisbane Lions | ||
| Height | 162 cm (5 ft 4 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder / Forward | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2023 | Brisbane Lions | 3 (0) | |
| 2024– | Port Adelaide | 10 (2) | |
|
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of the 2024 season. | |||
Caitlin Wendland (born 13 September 2003) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Port Adelaide in the AFL Women's (AFLW). A versatile midfielder and forward known for her tackling pressure and left-footed disposal, she previously played for the Brisbane Lions in 2023.
Early life
[edit]Wendland grew up in Willaston, South Australia. Originally a junior cricketer, she turned to football later in her teens and joined Central District in the SANFL Women's League (SANFLW). She played alongside her triplet sisters at the club. In 2023, she helped Central District claim its first SANFLW premiership and was named in the SANFLW Team of the Year.[1]
AFLW career
[edit]Brisbane Lions (2023)
[edit]After her strong 2023 SANFLW season, Wendland was signed by the Brisbane Lions as an injury replacement player in August 2023.[2] She made her AFLW debut in Round 7 and went on to play three games for the club, contributing with strong defensive efforts.
Port Adelaide (2024–present)
[edit]In May 2024, Port Adelaide added Wendland to its AFLW list as an injury replacement.[3] She played ten games in her debut season for Port, averaging over five tackles per match.[4] Her performances earned her a contract extension through the end of the 2027 season.[5]
Playing style
[edit]Wendland is known for her pressure-focused style of play, high tackle counts, and ability to win contests. She often plays as a midfielder or high half-forward and is recognised for her work rate, left-foot kicking, and defensive intensity.
Personal life
[edit]Wendland is one of three sisters who have all played Australian rules football at the state level. The triplets played together at Central District, drawing local media attention.[6]
Statistics
[edit]As of the end of the 2024 AFLW season.
| Season | Club | Games | Goals | Disposals | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Brisbane Lions | 3 | 0 | 21 | 9 |
| 2024 | Port Adelaide | 10 | 2 | 74 | 53 |
| Career totals | 13 | 2 | 95 | 62 | |
References
[edit]- ^ "Team of the Year revealed for 2023 SANFLW". SANFL. 10 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ^ "Welcome to the Den: Caitlin Wendland". Brisbane Lions. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ^ "Wendland joins Port Adelaide as replacement player". Port Adelaide Football Club. 2 May 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ^ "Player Profile – Caitlin Wendland". AFLW Stats. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ^ "Wendland signs long-term deal at Alberton". Port Adelaide Football Club. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ^ "Triplet trio feature in Bulldogs win". SANFL. Retrieved 13 July 2025.