AFLW 2023: All the breaking trade news and analysis ahead of AFLW trade period
In a trade period like no other, two more established stars of the AFLW have walked to other clubs, this time a pair of Pies in a shock three-way swap.
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Collingwood captain Steph Chiocci and star midfielder Jaimee Lambert have been traded to St Kilda in a shock three-way swap on the first morning of the AFLW sign and trade period.
The experienced duo were offloaded by the Magpies in return for St Kilda midfielder Tarni White and unproven North Melbourne utility Grace Campbell, along with a pick swap in which the Pies gained the Kangaroos’ first round selection.
St Kilda also lost key forward Kate Shierlaw to North Melbourne in the deal, with the 2022 season seven leading goalkicker set to join her long-term partner Emma Kearney at Arden Street.
The Saints had flagged an interest in recruiting Chiocci and Lambert from Collingwood last month, with the two-time All-Australian Lambert arriving at her third club after beginning her career with the Western Bulldogs before a move to the Magpies in 2018.
Chiocci, 34, took to Instagram to thank the Magpies and fans for her seven seasons at the club, where she was the longest serving AFLW captain along with star Crow Chelsea Randall.
“I will be forever thankful to Collingwood for making my dream of playing AFLW a reality,” she wrote.
“To all my teammates; I can’t thank you enough for supporting me as a leader but most importantly as a person. You know how much I love this group and I’ll cherish the memories we have created.
“While the decision wasn’t easy and comes with many emotions, I am looking forward to the next chapter and appreciate the support going forward.”
Chiocci and Lambert followed star Chloe Molloy in leaving Collingwood, after dangerous forward was snatched up by Sydney as a priority signing.
Last season’s four expansion clubs nabbed seven players from other sides, including Hawthorn recruiting Brisbane stars Emily Bates and Greta Bodey, and Sydney snapping up former number two pick Lucy McEvoy from Carlton.
Richmond made its first move of the off-season on Friday, trading utility Kodi Jacques to Essendon in exchange for pick 27, while Fremantle was frustrated as 20-year-old forward Amy Franklin requested a trade to join West Coast.
The Dockers’ 2021 first round pick had been a key part of the club’s plans, women’s football boss Bob Murphy said.
“It’s a shame that Amy has decided to not pursue the second year of her contract with the club,” Murphy said.
“We feel the Freo family invested a lot of time and resources into Franky, so our objective now is to ensure the club gets the best outcome for that investment.”
AFLW MOVES CONTINUE AS SUNS STAR REQUESTS TRADE BACK HOME
-Daniel Cherny
Gold Coast is likely to lose one of its equal-leading AFLW goalkickers from last season with Courtney Jones requesting a move back to Victoria after less than a year at the Suns.
Jones, 22, was traded to Gold Coast last year after a breakout season at Carlton in which she topped the Blues’ goalkicking with eight majors.
The 2019 draftee had a solid debut season with the Suns, kicking another eight goals, tied with captain Tara Bohanna for the most of any player in Cameron Joyce’s side.
However it’s understood Jones wants to return to a Victorian club for personal reasons.
One potential trade partner is Richmond given Tiger Maddy Brancatisano has interest in joining the Suns.
Gold Coast could also gain Clara Fitzpatrick from St Kilda. The Saints have shown interest in the Suns’ Serene Watson.
Sun Ellie Hampson has also been in the sights of the Brisbane Lions.
RAID ON LIONS STARS CONTINUES AS THIRD KEY PILLAR SEEKS TRADE
– Lauren Wood
AFL Women’s sharp shooter Jesse Wardlaw has told Brisbane she won’t be with the club next season.
The reigning AFL Women’s leading goalkicker – who played in the Lions’ 2021 premiership victory – marks the third key pillar to reveal their intention to leave the club this trade period.
As News Corp revealed last month, Wardlaw, 23, is expected to land at St Kilda with the sign and trade period set to open on Friday, though a trade still needs to be agreed to.
Star midfield pairing Emily Bates and Greta Bodey departed the Lions last week after signing at Hawthorn during the priority signing period.
The Saints are also set to secure Collingwood pair Steph Chiocci and Jaimee Lambert, with Tarni White expected to be traded to the Magpies as part of that deal.
Richmond has been eyeing St Kilda forward Caitlin Greiser as a prime attacking target.
Brisbane has managed to keep hold of star Cathy Svarc, who resisted Hawthorn’s overtures to remain at Springfield.
The Hawks, Port Adelaide, Sydney and Essendon had early access to player signings during the PSP, which also saw Collingwood star Chloe Molloy and key Blue Lucy McEvoy land at the Swans.
The remaining 14 clubs can sign and trade for players from Friday, with those that lost PSP players eligible for compensation from the league at the end of the trade period.
Wardlaw, a former netball player, made the switch to Australian rules in her later school years and didn’t look back.
At the end of last season, the star credited Lions coach Craig Starcevich and Lions Academy coach Ben Stanley for bringing out her best and transforming her into one of the game’s most imposing forwards.
“Coming into AFLW, I knew I wasn’t great to start with,” she admitted in November.
“I was a pretty small body and didn’t have much footy smarts, so I have worked on those things and seen specialist coaches for my kicking and strength and conditioning.”
Wardlaw also earned All-Australian selection in the recent seventh season of the competition.
“That was massive,” the goalkicker said at the time.
“All-Australian for me is something I’ve always wanted to strive towards as a player.
“As soon as I got drafted I would watch that awards night and think I wanted to be on that stage.
“I definitely didn’t see this coming so early in my career. Hopefully I can stay in the AA team for years to come.”
Originally published as AFLW 2023: All the breaking trade news and analysis ahead of AFLW trade period
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