AFLW news: Latest pre-season injury, contract and AFL Women’s talking points

One of the prized recruits of the AFLW off-season is racing the clock to be fit for round 1. Meanwhile, the league has locked in the date for its historic national draft.

The first fully-national AFL Women’s draft has been locked in for December 16.

Players from across the country will be hoping for the ultimate Christmas present with female footballers who nominate for the draft before November 27 able to be selected by any club for the first time.

Previously, players have been able to nominate to only be selected by clubs in a particular state or nationally, but increases in salary and contract length have led to the national shift.

The league confirmed on Thursday that this year’s trade period will run from Tuesday December 5 until Wednesday December 11.

AFL football chief Laura Kane said last month that the league anticipated that the new national approach would lead to a more balanced competition in years to come.

Andrew Dillon at last year’s AFLW Draft. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“As the league continues to evolve, we’re seeing more draftees willing to chase their football dreams by moving interstate,” she said.

“An AFLW draftee from this year can earn up to $83,837 in salary and relocation allowances.

“This transition coincides with an increase of investment in talent pathways, meaning the players coming through the ranks are more prepared for elite-level footy than ever before.

“This will allow our rising stars to be more equally spread across the league, fast- tracking the improvement of developing sides and strengthening the competitive balance of the competition.”

The ninth season of AFL Women’s begins on August 30.

STAR RECRUIT IN DOUBT FOR DOCKERS OPENER

Star Fremantle recruit Gabby Newton is racing the clock to be fit for round one after enduring an interrupted pre-season.

The former No. 1 draft pick joined the Dockers during the 2023 trade period after five seasons at the Western Bulldogs.

But the utility is no certainty to make her club debut in round one as she fights to overcome a recent soft tissue setback.

Newton arrived at Fremantle with a long-term back injury stemming from the end of the 2023 season. The 22-year-old had recently returned to main training only to suffer a minor setback.

Newton has already been ruled out of Fremantle’s match simulation against West Coast on Friday Fremantle head of women’s football Claire Heffernan said the star recruit is “potentially” set to be available for round one.

“She’s progressing really well,” Heffernan said. “She’s had a longer-term injury that we’ve been working with her on and then she had a muscular setback.

“She’s very close likely in the next couple of weeks to be playing. She’s rejoined the main group with contact training. She’s a special talent.”

Gabby Newton could miss Fremantle’s season opener. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Small forward Mikayla Morrison is less likely for the start of the season following back-to-back ACL injuries in the past two years but the Dockers believe that the 22-year-old will have an impact this season.

“She’s had a couple of minor setbacks so it hasn’t been all smooth sailing,” Heffernan said. “But she’s out there training with the group now.

“She probably won’t be ready for round one but she won’t be far off as well. She brings that special magic.

“There’s no one like Morro with her natural ability and game sense. We’re really excited to see her back playing.”

After playing an intraclub last Saturday, Fremantle intends to treat Friday’s match simulation against West Coast as a dress rehearsal for round one against Essendon in just three weeks.

“It’s a practice run,” Heffernan said. “Against West Coast, you always want to bring your best team and game plan.

“It’s a chance to see players in different roles and see how the game plan plays out.

“It’s an opportunity to look at all of the things we’ve been putting effort into and also see who steps up. There’s also time for us afterwards to tweak the areas that need attention.

“We’ve been going since February so it’s been the world’s longest pre-season. We’ve been training for longer than we’ll play games. It’s been an impressive build.”

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Stevie-Lee Thompson of the Crows thanks the fans after the round five AFLW match between the Adelaide Crows and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Wigan Oval on September 25, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

VERSATILE CROW INKS CONTRACT EXTENSION

Three-time AFLW premiership player Stevie-Lee Thompson will play on in 2025 after signing a one-year contract extension with the Adelaide Crows.

The 32-year-old is an inaugural member of the team and has played an impressive 74 games.

Some of her accolades include premierships in 2017, 2019 and 2022, while she is also an All-Australian and league leading goal kicker.

Thompson said she “wouldn’t want to be anywhere else” adding that the club held a special spot in her heart.

“I’ve been here since day one and to have the opportunity to play another year in the guernsey is a great feeling,” she said. “I love this club, and I know I can’t be here forever but I’m lucky enough that the club wanted me around for another year.”

Adelaide head of women’s football Phil Harper said Thompson would be a valuable asset to the side.

“Stevie-Lee is a versatile player who can play across all three lines and knows what it takes to perform in big games, ”he said.

The Crows will take on Port Adelaide in a big round 1 showdown at Alberton Oval on August 31 with the hope of kicking their AFLW season off with an emphatic victory.