AFLW trade period: Bulldogs ruck Alice Edmonds weighing up trade options as Eagles set for significant list turnover
A contracted All-Australian Bulldog is continuing to pursue rival interest from two clubs despite recently signing a three-year deal. Plus details on the sweeping changes to West Coast’s list.
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.
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.
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.
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