AFLW trade period: Fremantle, Geelong, Carlton keen on Sydney’s Bella Smith

A breakout Swan has interest from across the country, with three clubs leading the race to prise her out of Sydney. ELIZA REILLY has the latestg AFLW trade buzz.

Fremantle has identified Swans forward Bella Smith as a potential target this trade period to bolster its key forward stocks.

But the Dockers aren’t alone in their pursuit of the young gun.

While Smith has spoken with Fremantle about a potential move west, it’s understood that several Victorian clubs including Geelong and Carlton have also expressed interest in the 23-year-old.

The Swans naturally want to retain Smith after she finished the season with a career-high five goals against West Coast in week 10. It’s believed that work commitments mean it’s more likely that Smith will remain on the east coast.

Smith has played 25 games for the Swans after starting her career at Collingwood in 2021. Originally from Norwood, Smith can play at either end of the ground.

Bella Smith hadn't kicked an AFLW goal coming into this game...

Now she's got two following this absolute ripper!#AFLWSwansEaglespic.twitter.com/fxTkRjdKyp

— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) September 24, 2023

But the Dockers are chasing key position depth this off-season after spearhead Aine Tighe suffered her third ACL this year. At 32 years old, Tighe was in career-best form before her knee buckled against Melbourne in round four.

While Fremantle made it to the semi-finals before being knocked out by Adelaide, the Dockers struggled to find a reliable goalkicker.

Midfielder Aisling McCarthy finished the season as Fremantle’s leading goalkicker with eight majors. Tighe still finished equal fifth despite missing more than half the season. Ebony Antonio (six), Tunisha Kikoak (six), Gabby Biedenweg-Webster (four) and Ariana Hetherington (one) combined for 17 goals between them as tall targets.

AFLW leading goalkickers Taylor Smith and Aishling Moloney kicked 21 goals each.

The Dockers are also aware of the need to bring in young talent in this year’s AFLW draft. By the time pre-season starts, the Dockers will have 11 players aged 29 or older on their list.

Fremantle delisted Makaela Tuhakaraina (21), Tara Stribley (20), Serena Gibbs (24) and Tahleah Mulder (22) on Thursday while Mikayla Morrison (22) announced her retirement after bravely returning this season from back-to-back ACL injuries.

It gives the Dockers three available list spots ahead of the trade period and draft.

Bella Smith celebrates a goal for the Swans.

AFLW TRADE: STAR DOG EYES MOVE DESPITE FRESH DEAL

Contracted Western Bulldogs ruck Alice Edmonds has not given up on a potential trade as West Coast and Geelong circle.

The Bulldogs have been steadfast in their belief that Edmonds will remain at Whitten Oval after signing a three-year contract earlier this year.

But it’s understood that the All-Australian is pursuing interest from the Eagles and Cats and is willing to request a trade to either club despite meetings with the Bulldogs in recent weeks. GWS has also expressed interest.

While the Bulldogs want to retain Edmonds, it’s believed that they’d consider a trade but only if the right offer was tabled.

Alice Edmonds is exploring a move away from the Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images

The Eagles currently hold pick six in the AFLW draft after finishing 13th under first-year coach Daisy Pearce. But it’s understood that West Coast is willing to trade out their first round selection to acquire established talent with the likes of Edmonds and Geelong forward Darcy Moloney among those on its radar.

West Coast’s ruck roulette is starting to take shape as talks pick up with out-of-contract tall Sarah Lakay.

Despite off-season back surgery, Lakay played nine games for the Eagles this year, leading the club in hitouts.

It’s understood that Lakay does have some interest from a handful of Victorian clubs, including Essendon, but early talks with West Coast have been positive.

It’s set to be a significant list turnover at the Eagles given the club needs to part ways with at least six players to meet list requirements.

Talks are progressing well between Sarah Lakay and the Eagles. Picture: Getty Images

The Eagles had four too many players on their list this year after replacing four inactive players. Each club also must take a minimum of two players at the draft meaning West Coast will need to make six list changes but industry sources believe the Eagles could make up to eight.

The Eagles will announce their list changes on Wednesday but it’s understood that injury replacement players Jayme Harken, Octavia Di Donato and Tess Lyons are unlikely to receive new contracts. Mackenzie Webb, Verity Simmons and Sasha Goranova are all out of contract and in danger.

Defender Evie Gooch has already retired. The career of Emily Elkington is at a crossroads amid concussion concerns but defender Sophie McDonald is set to play on in 2025 despite repeated head knocks this season.

Fremantle is set for a quieter trade period after bringing in Gabby Newton, Aisling McCarthy and Ash Brazill last year as the Dockers turn their attention towards a stacked draft pool.

But it’s understood that the Dockers have been making subtle inquiries on a handful of intercept defenders. It’s set to be a light draft pool for tall talent.

Originally published as AFLW trade period: Fremantle, Geelong, Carlton keen on Sydney’s Bella Smith