THE FINAL expansion player signing and trade period has ended with nearly 70 players switching colours and plenty of picks changing hands.
Some clubs, like Brisbane and Melbourne, have done well to maintain the bulk of their talent despite attractive propositions offered to players, while others, like Gold Coast and Carlton, have seen up to seven players move on to rival clubs. So, where does your team stand ahead of the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft?
Adelaide
In: Niamh Kelly (West Coast), Amber Ward (West Coast)
Out: Angela Foley (Port Adelaide), Nikki Gore (Fremantle), Justine Mules (Port Adelaide), Erin Phillips (Port Adelaide), Jess Sedunary (West Coast)
Current draft picks: 40, 75, 78, 96 (5, 8, 9, 10 in SA)
The Crows have done well to limit their player movement despite facing in-state expansion for the first time. Angela Foley, Erin Phillips and Justine Mules have all been important leaders of the club since the AFLW began, but Adelaide has largely kept its core of young premiership players together. Trading out Nikki Gore wouldn't have been Adelaide's first choice, just as she had worked through injury and worked her way consistently into the side, but she has moved on for more midfield minutes which the Crows couldn't guarantee. Niamh Kelly is a wonderful addition, however, especially with the run of Mules out the door. Kelly's dash on the wing or across the half-forward line can add another dimension to an already strong Adelaide outfit.
Brisbane
In: Nil
Out: Maria Moloney (Port Adelaide), Indy Tahau (Port Adelaide), Jessica Wuetschner (delisted)
Current draft picks: 41, 58, 76, 94 (3, 5, 7, 10 in QLD)
Brisbane has done well to maintain its strong, young list throughout this final expansion phase. Famously hit hard across the first two expansion periods, the Lions lost just two players to new clubs, namely Port Adelaide. Maria Moloney is a player who has potential but was unfortunately in line behind an all-star midfield so has moved for more opportunity, while Indy Tahau's decision to move closer to family does leave a defence – that will still be missing Kate Lutkins – a little thin in terms of tall stocks. A tougher one for the fans is news that premiership forward Jess Wuetschner has been delisted after playing just three games this year. A prime example of how a list packed with talent, particularly a forward line boasting emerging talents Courtney Hodder, Zimmorlei Farquharson and Dakota Davidson, will ultimately see beloved players miss out.
Carlton
In: Phoebe McWilliams (Geelong), Amelia Velardo (Collingwood)
Out: Lauren Brazzale (Collingwood), Grace Egan (Richmond), Georgia Gee (Essendon), Courtney Jones (Gold Coast), Madison Prespakis (Essendon), Nicola Stevens (St Kilda), Charlotte Wilson (Melbourne)
Current draft picks: 17, 18, 49, 71, 73 (8, 9, 26, 38, 40 in VIC)
On the surface, it looks like a tough couple of weeks at Carlton whereby several much-loved players have left the club, but while it's easy to worry about who has left, it's important to remember the talent that has re-signed. Rising Star Mimi Hill, developing talent Lucy McEvoy and AFLW leading goalkicker Darcy Vescio will look to usher in a list that is built evenly across the board. Losing Georgia Gee and Madison Prespakis via expansion to Essendon is a tough break, but more broadly Carlton has broken even with its player movement. Phoebe McWilliams will allow their forward line to once again have a key marking focal point as younger key forwards Imogen Milford and Serena Gibbs develop, while Amelia Velardo has the chance to realise her potential alongside young teammates.
Collingwood
In: Olivia Barber (Geelong), Lauren Brazzale (Carlton), Emily Smith (rookie)
Out: Sophie Alexander (Essendon), Aliesha Newman (Sydney), Ebony O’Dea (Port Adelaide), Imogen Purcell (delisted), Bella Smith (Sydney), Amelia Velardo (Carlton)
Current draft picks: 30, 57, 89, 91 (16, 32, 47, 49 in VIC)
Collingwood was one of a handful of clubs to lose the maximum number of players through expansion this time around, with Aliesha Newman and Bella Smith both following former assistant coach Scott Gowans to Sydney, Ebony O'Dea returning to her home state of South Australia and Sophie Alexander taking up an opportunity to play for the club she grew up supporting. Again focusing on an inefficient attack, the Pies have brought in young key forward Olivia Barber from Geelong, who will likely slot straight into the hole left by Alexander's absence, and with both Brianna Davey and Britt Bonnici to sit out season seven, the experience of Lauren Brazzale through the middle of the ground will be a handy addition. Emily Smith is also an underrated recruit, an U18 All-Australian before choosing to pursue cricket in the WBBL for several years, she will return to footy as a rookie.
Essendon
In: Sophie Alexander (Collingwood), Eloise Ashley-Cooper, Bella Ayre, Daria Bannister (North Melbourne), Jorja Borg, Stephanie Cain (Fremantle), Joanne Doonan, Federica Frew, Ellyse Gamble (Western Bulldogs), Georgia Gee (Carlton), Danielle Marshall, Georgia Nanscawen, Catherine Phillips (St Kilda), Madison Prespakis (Carlton), Caitlin Sargent, Renee Tierney, Bonnie Toogood (Western Bulldogs), Sophie Van De Heuvel (Geelong), Jacqui Vogt (St Kilda), Jordan Zanchetta
Out: Nil
Current draft picks: 4, 8, 32, 35, 47, 64, 82, 100 (2, 4, 17, 19, 25, 35, 43, 53 in VIC)
Essendon has managed to recruit the most experience on average of any expansion club this time around. The appointment of Natalie Wood as head coach no doubt helped matters, with several players keen to play under her. Between the arcs the Bombers look dangerous, with a midfield brigade of Madison Prespakis, Georgia Nascawen and Jordan Zanchetta complemented by wingers Stephanie Cain and Sophie Van De Heuvel. In attack Daria Bannister, Bonnie Toogood and Federica Frew have the potential to really wreak havoc, while Ellyse Gamble and Sophie Alexander are pillars around which a defence can be built.
Fremantle
In: Nikki Gore (Adelaide)
Out: Stephanie Cain (Essendon), Gemma Houghton (Port Adelaide), Maggie MacLachlan (Port Adelaide), Ann McMahon (delisted), Jasmin Stewart (stepping away), Tiah Toth (delisted)
Current draft picks: 27, 60, 93 (4, 9, 13 in WA)
Fremantle was hit harder by expansion than many expected, with Stephanie Cain arguably the club's biggest loss in terms of players. What they have managed to do, however, is add tough midfielder Nikki Gore, who is determined to become an elite onballer if given the opportunity. Adding Gore alongside Hayley Miller, Kiara Bowers and Dana East, the Dockers have the potential to create a menacing midfield group.
Geelong
In: Mikayla Bowen (West Coast), Ingrid Houtsma (Richmond), Jackie Parry (Melbourne), Shelley Scott (Melbourne)
Out: Olivia Barber (Collingwood), Millie Brown (Western Bulldogs), Danielle Higgins (retired), Jordan Ivey (Melbourne), Phoebe McWilliams (Carlton), Sophie Van De Heuvel (Essendon), Stephanie Williams (Richmond)
Current draft picks: 33, 42, 56, 67, 85 (18, 23, 31, 37, 45 in VIC)
Over the past two off-seasons, Geelong has effectively overhauled its attacking line. Last year, Chloe Scheer's recruitment was a coup, and this time around they have added fellow contested marking forwards Shelley Scott and Jackie Parry from Melbourne. In doing so, they have said goodbye to key forwards Olivia Barber and Phoebe McWilliams. Mikayla Bowen and Ingrid Houtsma add some outside run that was lost with Sophie Van De Heuvel heading to Essendon, while Millie Brown's move to the Western Bulldogs isn't ideal, it won't be felt nearly as acutely given she was inactive through season six.
Gold Coast
In: Gabrielle Biedenweg-Webster (priority), Georgia Clayden (priority), Courtney Jones (Carlton), Krystal Scott (priority)
Out: Janet Baird (Hawthorn), Alana Barba (delisted), Hannah Dunn (Port Adelaide), Cheyenne Hammond (Port Adelaide), Dee Heslop (delisted), Sarah Perkins (Hawthorn), Brittany Perry (Port Adelaide), Kate Surman (Port Adelaide), Jacqui Yorston (Port Adelaide)
Current draft picks: 19, 34, 53, 69, 81, 87 (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 in QLD)
Gold Coast's links with South Australia, particularly when building its inaugural list two years ago, has now come back to bite it this year as five players moved south to the newly minted Port Adelaide. Hannah Dunn and Jacqui Yorston are big losses in the midfield for the Suns, while Kate Surman's lively role in attack won't be an easy one to replace. Sarah Perkins' leadership in the forward line is another significant loss for Gold Coast, but the immediate impact Tara Bohanna was able to have this year certainly dulls the pain. Courtney Jones will look to continue her development at Bohanna's feet, too, after breaking out as Carlton's leading goalkicker this year. The Suns have also added three priority picks to solidify their list, headlined by former Brisbane signing Krystal Scott.
Greater Western Sydney
In: Isabel Huntington (Western Bulldogs)
Out: Libby Graham (Richmond), Erin Lorenzini (retired), Katie Loynes (retired), Erin McKinnon (St Kilda), Ally Morphett (Sydney), Rebecca Privitelli (Sydney), Lisa Steane (Sydney), Louise Stephenson (Hawthorn)
Current draft picks: 20, 68, 70, 88 (6, 9, 10, 12 in NSW)
No doubt the Giants were bracing themselves to lose a few players this off-season with cross-town side Sydney joining the competition, but they have done very well to maintain the bulk of their top-end talent, while also bringing in All-Australian Isabel Huntington. Although Huntington won't be able to take to the field in season seven, she is a valuable long-term addition to a side that in the past has struggled to attract high-end talent from outside NSW. The concern that does present for GWS, however, is a lack of rucks and tall defensive options, with Erin McKinnon, Ally Morphett and Louise Stephenson all joining new clubs, and remaining ruck Jess Allan still to sit out of season seven through work commitments. Sydney Swans Academy recruit Jess Doyle has re-signed with the club for the next two seasons and a cohort of experienced players have all extended their contracts until next year as well.
Hawthorn
In: Kaitlyn Ashmore (North Melbourne), Janet Baird (Gold Coast), Zoe Barbakos, Catherine Brown, Dominique Carbone, Tegan Cunningham, Bridget Deed, Jessica Duffin (North Melbourne), Tahlia Fellows, Aileen Gilroy (North Melbourne), Ainslie Kemp, Sophie Locke, Tilly Lucas-Rodd (St Kilda), Tamara Luke, Akec Makur Chuot (Richmond), Sarah Perkins (Gold Coast), Isabelle Porter, Jenna Richardson, Eliza Shannon, Louise Stephenson (GWS)
Out: Nil
Current draft picks: 2, 6, 9, 22, 25, 26, 72, 98 (1, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 39, 52 in VIC)
For its inaugural list, Hawthorn has looked to experienced players and its VFLW side to form the bulk. It has found leadership in Jess Duffin, Tilly Lucas-Rodd and Sarah Perkins, dash in Kaitlyn Ashmore and Aileen Gilroy and height in Tegan Cunningham and Tamara Luke. It is a list that has a mountain of potential if they can get their connection right.
Melbourne
In: Jordan Ivey (Geelong), Charlotte Wilson (Carlton)
Out: Maeve Chaplin (delisted), Lauren Magee (stepping away), Jackie Parry (Geelong), Krstel Petrevski (West Coast), Shelley Scott (Geelong), Isabella Simmons (West Coast), Brenna Tarrant (expansion, Sydney)
Current draft picks: 45, 50, 80, 95 (24, 27, 42, 51 in VIC)
Melbourne has had a strong trade period once again, losing just one walk up start to its best 21 in Shelley Scott. Depth players Jackie Parry, Krstel Petrevski and Brenna Tarrant have all moved on for greater opportunity at other clubs, as has the untried Isabella Simmons. In doing so, the Demons have again strengthened their attacking line with neat left-footer Jordan Ivey, and their defence with strong key defender Charlotte Wilson. Grand finalists in season six, the club looks to have bolstered its list as it pushes to go one better.
North Melbourne
In: Erika O’Shea (rookie), Vikki Wall (rookie)
Out: Kaitlyn Ashmore (Hawthorn), Daria Bannister (Essendon), Daisy Bateman (Western Bulldogs), Jessica Duffin (Hawthorn), Aileen Gilroy (Hawthorn), Lexi Hamilton (Sydney)
Current draft picks: 28, 39, 51, 52, 55, 90, 92 (14, 22, 28, 29, 30, 48, 50 in VIC)
North Melbourne ended up having a more active trade-and-sign period than many were anticipating. By losing Aileen Gilroy to Hawthorn as expansion was set to time out, and Kaitlyn Ashmore following via trade, it has lost a lot of its dash ahead of season seven. The club has also lost some firepower with Daria Bannister walking to Essendon, which will be tricky to cover given the side's inefficiency in attack this year. On a more positive note, however, the Kangaroos have secured some genuine athleticism in Irish duo Erika O'Shea and Vikki Wall, both of whom have the potential to add some run and carry that has been lost in Gilroy and Ashmore.
Port Adelaide
In: Alex Ballard, Laquoiya Cockatoo-Motlap, Litonya Cockatoo-Motlap, Jade de Melo, Tessa Doumanis, Abbey Dowrick, Hannah Dunn (Gold Coast), Angela Foley (Adelaide), Jade Halfpenny, Cheyenne Hammond (Gold Coast), Gemma Houghton (Fremantle), Olivia Levicki (rookie), Maggie MacLachlan (Fremantle), Liz McGrath, Maria Moloney (Brisbane), Justine Mules (Adelaide), Ebony O’Dea (Collingwood), Brittany Perry (Gold Coast), Erin Phillips (Adelaide), Kate Surman (Gold Coast), Indy Tahau (Brisbane), Jacqui Yorston (Gold Coast)
Out: Nil
Current draft picks: 3, 7, 23, 31, 46, 63, 99 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11 in SA)
Port Adelaide has certainly put its stamp on the AFLW with this initial list build. Erin Phillips is the name on everyone's lips, but the leadership offered by Angela Foley, Justine Mules and Hannah Dunn is in itself enviable. The local talent that the club has targeted is well spread across the field, with the makings of a tough midfield group the overarching feel.
Richmond
In: Grace Egan (Carlton), Libby Graham (GWS), Stephanie Williams (Geelong)
Out: Christina Bernardi (delisted), Sarah Dargan (Sydney), Ingrid Houtsma (Geelong), Akec Makur Chuot (Hawthorn), Hannah McLaren (delisted), Sarah Sansonetti (delisted)
Current draft picks: 38, 59, 62, 86 (21, 33, 34, 46 in VIC)
For the second trade-and-sign period running, Richmond has surprisingly delisted a senior player who seemed to have more in them. Last year it was Phoebe Monahan, this year it is forward Christina Bernardi. Fringe players Sarah Dargan and Akec Makur Chuot have moved on to expansion sides after struggling to earn consistent games at the Tigers, while Ingrid Houtsma heads back to Geelong after spending her junior years at the Geelong Falcons. Interestingly, Grace Egan has returned to Richmond after the club failed to sign her in its inaugural list build, despite having access to her through its then-VFLW program. As they prepare for a full season without key defender Harriet Cordner, the Tigers have brought in athletic Libby Graham, and Stephanie Williams will look to take her development to another level as she aims to get regular opportunity among Richmond's strong attacking line.
St Kilda
In: Clara Fitzpatrick (delisted free agent), Grace Kelly (West Coast), Erin McKinnon (GWS), Nicola Stevens (Carlton)
Out: Tilly Lucas-Rodd (Hawthorn), Kate McCarthy (delisted), Tahlia Meyer (delisted), Catherine Phillips (Essendon), Paige Price (delisted), Isabella Shannon (stepping away), Jacqui Vogt (Essendon), Rhiannon Watt (delisted), Alana Woodward (delisted)
Current draft picks: 16, 66, 84 (7, 36, 44 in VIC)
The Saints have said goodbye to several inaugural players this trade-and-sign period, both through expansion and delistings. Key clearance winner Tilly Lucas-Rodd has moved to Hawthorn, and with Catherine Phillips also out the door via expansion, St Kilda's midfield is looking concerningly shallow. Rhiannon Watt has been delisted after doing her ACL in round eight last season which is also a hit to the club's culture. On a more positive note, Clara Fitzpatrick will return to AFLW after two years out of the game and help bolster their defensive line, while Grace Kelly and Nicola Stevens will do the same for their forward line. Erin McKinnon will also join forces with Leah Cutting in the ruck for season seven, too.
Sydney
In: Jaide Anthony, Kiara Beesley, Maddy Collier (West Coast), Sarah Dargan (Richmond), Molly Eastman, Sarah Ford, Lexi Hamilton (North Melbourne), Ella Heads, Zoe Hurrell, Bridie Kennedy, Brooke Lochland (Western Bulldogs), Ally Morphett (GWS), Aliesha Newman (Collingwood), Rebecca Privitelli (GWS), Ruby Sargent-Wilson, Paige Sheppard, Sarah Skinner, Bella Smith (Collingwood), Lisa Steane (GWS), Lauren Szigeti, Brenna Tarrant (Melbourne), Eliza Vale, Aimee Whelan
Out: Nil
Current draft picks: 1, 5, 11, 12, 13, 44, 61, 79, 97 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 13 in NSW)
Despite being unable to land the big fish they were after, the Swans have quietly built a solid list with which coach Scott Gowans has flexibility and development potential. Sarah Dargan, Bella Smith, Lisa Steane and Brenna Tarrant are players who have been highly regarded but unable to find regular opportunities at their former clubs. Brooke Lochland brings leadership to the club, and Ally Morphett is a budding mobile ruck. The club has also added a number of local names including Ella Heads and Ruby Sargent-Wilson which is an exciting sign for developing NSW talent.
West Coast
In: Kate Bartlett (priority), Sasha Goranova (priority), Krstel Petrevski (Melbourne), Jess Sedunary (Adelaide), Isabella Simmons (Melbourne), Ella Smith (priority)
Out: Ashlee Atkins (delisted), Mikayla Bowen (Geelong), Tayla Bresland (retired), Melissa Caulfield (retired), Maddy Collier (expansion, Sydney), Lauren Gauci (delisted), Andrea Gilmore (retired), Courtney Guard (retired), Grace Kelly (St Kilda), Niamh Kelly (Adelaide), Parris Laurie (retired), Amber Ward (Adelaide)
Current draft picks: 14, 15, 24, 36, 43, 48, 54, 65, 77, 83 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 in WA)
The number of players out the door for West Coast has raised an eyebrow or two, particularly given Mikayla Bowen and the Kelly sisters were rare highlights for the club over the past couple of seasons. Parris Laurie's shock retirement has left the side wanting in terms of a ruck – ideal replacement Lauren Wakfer has recently ruptured her ACL in the lead up to the draft – and their defensive line has lost more than half its regular contributors. Excitingly, Kate Bartlett has earned another shot at AFLW level and will no doubt have plenty to say in attack, so too Krstel Petrevski while Sasha Goranova, Isabella Simmons and Ella Smith are all untried promising additions.
Western Bulldogs
In: Daisy Bateman (North Melbourne), Millie Brown (Geelong)
Out: Ellyse Gamble (Essendon), Ashleigh Guest (retired), Isabel Huntington (GWS), Brooke Lochland (Sydney), Hannah Scott (retired), Bonnie Toogood (Essendon)
Current draft picks: 21, 29, 37, 74 (10, 15, 20, 41 in VIC)
The Dogs have had a mixed off-season to date. The loss of Bonnie Toogood, Ellyse Gamble and Brooke Lochland to expansion certainly hurts, especially given the leadership each player offers on each line. Isabel Huntington's trade to GWS looks tough on paper, but the reality that she played just one game last season and will miss all of season seven softens the blow. The development of Issy Grant in defence this year helps to cover the loss of Gamble, too, so the reality is that the club is better placed to adapt to lost talent in the face of this expansion phase than it has in the past. Daisy Bateman will help to solidify a forward line facing the first season without either Toogood or Huntington since 2017, and Millie Brown's addition is the real steal here. A young, talented player yet to realise her full potential, who fits their list profile to a tee.
