Injury sours narrow Port victory

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 31, 2026

Port Adelaide edged out the Giants 52-48 at Manuka Oval despite star player Indy Tahau leaving the game with a potentially serious right knee injury late in the third quarter. Tahau’s condition adds to concerns about her fitness following previous knee issues and will be closely watched as the team builds consistency early in the season.

Port Adelaide secured a narrow four-point victory over the Giants at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Sunday, but the win was overshadowed by a potentially serious injury to star player Indy Tahau. Tahau, 23, was forced off late in the third quarter after an innocuous challenge caused her right knee to bend sharply, forcing her from the game and leaving her visibly distressed.

Tahau’s injury raises fresh concerns, particularly given her recent history with knee problems. She made a highly publicized comeback in 2025 following a two-year recovery from a ruptured ACL in her left knee. Although she was recently cleared of any significant damage to that knee after a scare in Round 2 against Hawthorn, this new injury affects her right knee, compounding the uncertainty around her fitness.

Port Adelaide coach Glenn Strachan expressed concern over Tahau’s condition, noting the player’s focus on her teammates even as she dealt with the injury. “Her first thought was about her teammates and how they were following the win, which is an absolute testament to her character,” Strachan said. While the initial medical outlook was not optimistic, a definitive diagnosis is pending.

Despite the injury setback, Port Adelaide managed to hold off a resilient Giants side in a game marked by close scoring throughout. The match saw both teams trading goals regularly, maintaining a tight contest up to the final moments. A late goal by Lauren Young with less than a minute remaining proved decisive. Following a precise kick from former Giant Teagan Germech from the arc, Young converted from close range to secure a 7.10 (52) to 8.0 (48) victory for Port Adelaide.

Strachan highlighted the significance of the win while emphasizing the team’s ongoing development. “Obviously you’ll take any win that you can get,” he said. “We’re still in the early throes of development ... consistency is what we’re after right now.”

The result marks an important step for Port Adelaide, though the team will be closely monitoring Tahau’s injury status ahead of their next fixtures.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.