Hobart talent Gavalas departs Roos for Dogs in AFLW

Being squeezed out of North Melbourne’s side for the back end of this season has prompted Hobart talent Ellie Gavalas to join a rival club. Read the details here.

Hobart product Ellie Gavalas has departed North Melbourne to join Western Bulldogs. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Hobart talent Ellie Gavalas is returning to where her football career began after departing North Melbourne for Western Bulldogs as part of a three-way AFLW trade.

The midfielder, who was drafted by the Roos from the Dogs’ VFL program in 2019, was dropped for the back end of this year, including the grand final defeat to Brisbane.

The 27-year-old won the Bulldogs’ VFLW best and fairest in 2019 before going on to play 41 games for North Melbourne.

North Melbourne receives Carlton’s pick 25 in next week’s draft, with the Blues also sending Vaomua Laloifi to Whitten Oval.

The Bulldogs won just one game in collecting the wooden spoon this year and will have a new coach after parting ways with long time mentor Nathan Burke.

Bulldogs AFLW recruitment head Mick Sandry believes Gavalas can provide leadership on and off the field.

“We identified both Mua and Ellie not just because of what they can bring on field, but because they both have strong leadership qualities and high standards towards their application to training and performance,” he said.

“Ellie is a strong midfielder who is great in the contest, and will add more maturity to our midfield group.

“We still feel Ellie has growth in her football too, and are looking forward to seeing her impact on and off the field.”

Kangaroos head of women’s football Nathan Hrovat thanked Gavalas for her contribution to the club.

“Ellie has been a much-loved member of the playing group since arriving at Arden Street ahead of the 2020 season,” Hrovat said.

“We thank her for everything she has given to our program both on and off the field during her five seasons here, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter at the Bulldogs.”