AFLW trade preview: Who’s on the move, every club’s plans

AFLW Trade Period commences on Thursday, and FREMANTLE is hoping to acquire outstanding Irish midfielder Aisling McCarthy from fierce rivals West Coast. Up to 35 players might be involved in this trade.

During the week-long Trade Period, the two West Australian clubs are expected to be among the busiest. The Dockers are also expected to acquire veteran Ash Brazill from Collingwood and former No. 1 selection Gabby Newton from the Western Bulldogs.

High-flying Dockers forward Roxy Roux, who is also being pursued by the Crows, is another player the Eagles are likely to be aggressive in their pursuit of. The Eagles still aim to keep McCarthy following consecutive top-two best and fairest finishes.

While West Coast hopes to sign contracts with Geelong defender Annabel Johnson and Gold Coast’s 2022 (season six) best and fairest winning midfielder Alison Drennan, they risk losing promising teenager Shanae Davison to powerhouse Brisbane.

Due to recent expansion raids, the Lions are expected to have a quieter Trade Period than in past years; nevertheless, Mikayla Pauga may play for Greater Western Sydney following her participation in the team’s victory in the Grand Final on Sunday.

The Giants are looking to get better and have sought tiny forward Aliesha Newman from the Swans and former first-round pick Alana Gee from the Gold Coast. On Wednesday, they signed superstar midfielder Alyce Parker to a new contract extension.

Giants duo Jodie Hicks and Ally Dallaway have committed to Richmond, and in one of the more prominent trade period acquisitions, the Tigers will also acquire strong-marking Adelaide ruck Montana McKinnon.

McKinnon, who has made 31 appearances for the Crows, has been looking for chances to establish himself as the team’s top ruck option after being suspended during the club’s 2022 season six premiership victory.

Both top defender Zoe Prowse and another key position player Caitlin Gould have visited the Western Bulldogs and are currently considering lucrative moves to the Whitten Oval, but Adelaide is trying to keep both players.

The Dogs, who had the top pick in this month’s draught and finished last on the AFLW ladder this season, will also be among the busiest and most interesting teams over the coming week.

All-Australian defender Katie Lynch is going to the Gold Coast, ruck Celine Moody is moving to Carlton, they will lose Newton to Fremantle, and all-Australian onballer Kirsty Lamb has been approached by Port Adelaide.