SHE'S one of the most recognisable faces in women's football, and she's keen to make the move to Melbourne.
Tayla Harris is a promising young forward with elite contested marking skills and one of the few players capable of kicking a goal from outside 50.
The 20-year-old has years of football ahead of her, and would be a good long-term investment for a club. She also has the potential to be a face of a club both on and off the field.
So how could Harris make her way to each Victorian-based NAB AFL Women's club, and what impact would she have once there?
CARLTON
Harris was initially eager to make her way to Carlton, but the Brisbane Lions reportedly knocked back Carlton's trade offer of No.3 draft pick Bianca Jakobsson, and want two players in return for their marquee forward.
The competition's leading goalkicker, Darcy Vescio, commands the forward line for Carlton, but the addition of a player of Harris' stature would definitely spread the opposition's defence. Young key forward and NAB AFLW Rising Star nominee Bella Ayre suddenly becomes a highly talented third forward, easing pressure on the 18-year-old as she develops her skills.
The combination of Harris' marking skills and ability to crash packs, and Vescio's elite decision-making and agility at ground level, would be a formidable one to combat for opposition teams.
With the addition of Nicola Stevens across half-back to assist Brianna Davey, Harris could be the missing link for Carlton's premiership aspirations.
MELBOURNE
The Demons, like the Blues, pushed hard for a Grand Final spot in 2017, and also boast four All-Australians in their line-up – Daisy Pearce, Karen Paxman, Elise O'Dea and Melissa Hickey.
Footy operations manager Debbie Lee has said Melbourne would likely have a quiet trade period, but it would be extremely difficult to turn down a player of Harris' calibre.
Harris would add a different dimension to Melbourne's forward line. In 2017, the Demons had the inexperienced Alyssa Mifsud and the rough-and-ready Richelle Cranston as their key forwards, plus a host of quicks rotating through from the midfield.
The addition of Harris would provide some support for Mifsud – and a second tall target. Cranston is a smart, aggressive player, but better suited as a third forward able to cause havoc at ground level.
Melbourne's ruck division did look shaky at times, and would appreciate the support Harris would bring.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
If Harris walks from the Lions without a trade being made and nominates for the Victorian draft (like last year's draft, the 2018 draft is state-based), the Western Bulldogs would be in the box seat.
The Dogs currently have pick three in the draft – the first selection of the Victorian clubs – and are desperately seeking a key forward.
Their lack of forward options was exposed when captain Katie Brennan battled an ankle injury, which restricted her to just two matches. While Aasta O'Connor will be better for the run after coming back from an ACL reconstruction, the addition of Harris would provide the Dogs with a desperately needed forward target.
Brennan has since recovered and is currently lining up in the centre for VFL Women's side Darebin. Harris would allow Brennan to dictate play in a similar fashion, rather than being stranded in the forward 50.
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood isn't completely out of the picture either, with vice-captain Alicia Eva seeking a trade to Greater Western Sydney for non-football reasons.
The Giants hold the No.1 draft pick, but as they face no opposition for NSW-based talent, the order of selection holds little relevance for them. An Eva-for-No.1 pick swap has been floated, which would place Collingwood in the front of the queue for Harris if she walks from the Lions.
Slotting Harris into Collingwood's talented forward line would not be as clear-cut as it would appear for other sides.
The Magpies already have an array of scoring options – Moana Hope, Jess Duffin (nee Cameron), Sarah D'Arcy, Jasmine Garner, even ruck Emma King – and the line-up grew more threatening as the season progressed.
But the Magpies do need some help in the middle of the ground to take advantage of King's ruck dominance. Harris lined up in the centre square on occasion for the Lions, and is a very difficult match-up due to her height and aggression.
Re-signings
Collingwood has been particularly pro-active in re-signing players, and now has 15 players on its 2018 list, plus one rookie.
Recent signings for the Pies include midfielders Amelia Barden, Emma Grant, Melissa Kuys and Bree White, forwards Jess Duffin (nee Cameron), Sarah D'Arcy and Sophie Casey, defenders Stacey Livingstone and Tara Morgan, and ruck Emma King.
Australian volleyballer Eliza Hynes has signed as a rookie, despite having not played a game of football. At 183cm, she is expected to line up either as a forward or in the ruck.
The Brisbane Lions re-signed Shannon Campbell and Leah Kaslar.
Top Dogs
The Western Bulldogs held their AFLW best-and-fairest last Friday, with midfield stars and All-Australians Emma Kearney and Ellie Blackburn tying for the award.
Other award winners on the night included Kirsty Lamb (most improved), Bailey Hunt (best first-year player) and Nicole Callinan (players' player, voted by teammates).
2017 AFLW BEST AND FAIREST WINNERS
Adelaide: Erin Phillips
Brisbane Lions: Emily Bates
Carlton: Brianna Davey
Collingwood: Nicola Stevens
Fremantle: Dana Hooker
GWS: Jess Dal Pos
Melbourne: Daisy Pearce
Western Bulldogs: Ellie Blackburn and Emma Kearney
