AFLW 2023: All the latest news from sign and trade period

One of Collingwood’s best players has defected on a record-breaking deal as the new allowances given to expansion AFLW clubs this week had their first major impact.

Chloe Molloy has joined the Swans. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Chloe Molloy’s defection to Sydney will mark the longest contract in AFL Women’s history when it is made official next Wednesday.

The Herald Sun can reveal that the competition’s 2018 rising star winner – who will become the first player signed in the priority signing period which opens on March 1 – will join the Swans on a huge five-year deal.

Under new allowances afforded to expansion clubs announced on Monday, Sydney has been granted the ability to offer a longer-term contract with an additional two seasons more than will be allowed in the upcoming season eight for two players.

Molloy is set to become one of those.

The 24-year-old travelled to Sydney on Tuesday to finalise the shift after officially informing Collingwood of her plans to leave the club where she has played 47 games.

Any compensation – in the form of draft picks for 2024 – for Collingwood will be determined by the league at the conclusion of the PSP.

Chloe Molloy celebrates a goal. Picture: Michael Klein

Sydney will be permitted to sign up to an additional four players in the new PSP, without having to negotiate any trade.

Collingwood head of football Jess Burger thanked Molloy for her on and off-field contributions.

“Since being drafted to Collingwood, ‘Moy’ has been a valued member of our program,” Burger said.

“Over the past five years, Chloe has been a great ambassador for our club and the wider AFLW competition and it’s been great to watch her grow and develop as both a player and person over the course of that time.

“Not only has Chloe demonstrated outstanding talent on the field, but she has also made strong contributions off field including as an opposition analyst during her time on the sidelines with a Lisfranc injury in 2019.

“In this situation, we understand that she was interested in seeking an opportunity interstate in pursuit of a new lifestyle.

“Whilst we’re disappointed Chloe won’t be a part of the continued growth of our program, we are confident in the depth and talent of our playing list to ensure continued improvement in the 2023 season and beyond.”

“On behalf of everyone at Collingwood, we would like to thank Chloe for all she has brought to our Club and we wish her all the best for this next chapter of her career.”

St Kilda is eyeing Brisbane forward and the competition’s reigning leading goalkicker Jesse Wardlaw, along with Collingwood duo Jaimee Lambert and co-captain Steph Chiocci.

Molloy said it had been a “bittersweet decision” to leave Collingwood for “a new chapter”.

“It is a decision I have not taken lightly, and involves leaving what feels like a family behind,” the 24-year-old said.

“I can only thank all who have made my journey at Collingwood so positive, memorable and fun.

“Over the past six years, I have evolved into someone I am proud to be, and I will forever adore and appreciate those within the four walls who helped me to get here.”