Carlton AFLW captain Brianna Davey traded to Collingwood

Carlton skipper Brianna Davey is officially a Magpie after the latest AFLW trade — but she didn’t come cheap for Collingwood.

Brianna Davey at Ikon Park. Picture: Alex Coppel

Brianna Davey has opened up on the “emotional” and “tough” decision to leave the Blues.

Davey, 24, told Carlton earlier this month that she wanted out, just a day after claiming joint honours in the club best and fairest and leading the club in the AFL Women’s grand final.

The former Matildas goalkeeper – who was one of the Blues’ inaugural marquee players – had been at the Blues for three season and skipper for two seasons, but today became a Pie after her trade request to Collingwood was facilitated in a hefty pick swap.

DOG GONE: FLAG HERO TRADED TO RICHMOND

KNEE INJURY: ERIN PHILLIPS RECOMMITS TO CROWS

LATEST: EVERY AFLW TRADE AND CONTRACT MOVE

Leaving Carlton after the last three years has been pretty emotional, and tough, as well,” Davey said.

“I have a lot of respect for the club, and obviously they gave me my first opportunity pulling on an AFLW jumper, which is always something I’d wanted to do since being a young girl.

“(There’s) a lot of honour and pride in that, and something I was never going to take for granted.”

Davey – who grew up as a Pies supporter - said she was “super excited” to be at Collingwood.

“I’m excited to get involved with a new opportunity and being at a new club and growing as a person and a footballer,” she said in a video on the club website.

“I know it’s a good young list, and I want to be able to hopefully come in and help grow the program and bring some of my experiences in past sports and over the last three years as well.”

Brianna Davey kicks a goal in the 2019 AFLW grand final.

In a further fillip for the Pies, All-Australian defender Ash Brazill and Irish emerging goalkicker Sarah Rowe have re-committed for 2020.

Five players - including former Hockeyroo Georgie Parker - have not been offered contracts for next season.

Carlton received picks 2, 26, 44 and 59 in the deal, with the Pies getting Davey and picks 67 and 82.

Davey had been travelling in Bali with her now-former teammates and arrived back in Melbourne this morning.

The star midfielder — who missed most of last season with an ACL injury — was courted by the Pies at the end of the 2018 season, but was convinced by Blues coach Daniel Harford to stay at Ikon Park.

Blues AFLW coach Daniel Harford only wants players who want to be at Ikon Park. Pic: Getty Images

Harford said today that commitment was key for the Blues going forward.

“Brianna was a good player at our football club during her time here and brought a lot to Carlton during the first three seasons of our program,” he said.

“This group was so close to the ultimate success last season and to take the next step we need a fully committed playing group, striving for the same goal.

“We saw this year the immediate impact draftees can have in the AFLW competition with Maddy Prespakis, Jayde Van Dyk, Charlotte Wilson and Jess Edwards all part of our Grand Final team.

“Add to that the fact we’ve had 21 players re-sign to remain in navy blue tells you how focused this group is on continuing to build something special and achieve success together.”

Prespakis, who won the Rising Star and All-Australian selection in her debut year, signed for two years, along with eight other Blues.

Originally published as Carlton AFLW captain Brianna Davey traded to Collingwood