SYDNEY has lured one of the Western Bulldogs' most popular AFLW players to kickstart the expansion signing period, agreeing a deal for veteran former premiership-winner Brooke Lochland.

womens.afl understands Lochland – a premiership player, a League-leading goalkicker and an AFLW All-Australian in 2018 – has signed for the Swans in what is a long-awaited coup for one of the competition's new teams.

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The 31-year-old is internally viewed as being one of the Dogs' most important leaders, but will take her experience to Sydney where she will become a valuable asset for Scott Gowans' side in its inaugural AFLW season.

Lochland has played 35 games across six campaigns for the Bulldogs, bursting onto the AFLW scene with a remarkable seven-goal haul against Carlton in 2018. It remains the most goals kicked in a game by a single player in the League's history.

Sydney had previously made a significant offer to Lochland's captain at the Bulldogs, Ellie Blackburn, to make her the club's marquee AFLW signing. The Swans have also made unsuccessful bids for North Melbourne's Ash Riddell and Melbourne's Kate Hore.

However, the club has filled out its list with a host of solid AFLW experience and has commitments from Maddy Collier (West Coast), Lexi Hamilton (North Melbourne), Bella Smith (Collingwood), Brenna Tarrant (Melbourne), Ally Morphett, Bec Privitelli and Lisa Steane (all Greater Western Sydney) ahead of its first season.