SYDNEY is chasing prolific North Melbourne star Ash Riddell, as the expansion club continues its aggressive pursuit of ready-made talent ahead of its maiden AFLW campaign next season.

Womens.afl understands the Swans have put an offer to Riddell, after she emerged as one of the competition's best ball-winners throughout a breakout 2022 season where she averaged an incredible 29.3 disposals per game.

Riddell was named in an extended AFLW All-Australian squad of 40 on Wednesday night, where she is almost certain to add a second selection to her name after also being included in the 2020 side.

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She is also among the favourites for this year's AFLW best and fairest award, having notched up six 30-possession games in the home and away season – including an all-time record display that featured 42 touches against West Coast in round 10.

04:22

Riddell breaks AFLW disposals record in stellar outing

Ashleigh Riddell had herself a day out with a new AFLW-record 42 disposals helping her side to a dominant win

Sydney's inaugural AFLW coach Scott Gowans was influential in Riddell being recruited to North Melbourne as a free agent at the age of 22, after she had previously been overlooked by a series of other teams.

Gowans had also been integral to Riddell signing at VFLW side Melbourne University earlier in her career and is understood to be a key factor in Sydney's pursuit of her signature ahead of next season.

Riddell, 26, has played a total of 30 AFLW games for the Kangaroos.

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