Dees depart as biggest deal yet struck; Suns’ curious strategy explained — AFLW trade latest

The AFLW’s wheeling and dealing officially got underway on Thursday, and the first deals of the window have been struck.

The period kicks off on Thursday, December 4 and runs until Wednesday, December 10, with a brisk turnaround to the national draft on Monday, December 15.

Follow all the latest AFLW trade happenings below ahead of the 2025 AFLW draft, which will be held from 7pm (AEDT) on Monday December 15 — live and exclusive on Fox Footy, via Foxtel (Channel 504) and Kayo Sports.

Watch live coverage of the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft on Kayo Sports 15 Dec | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

DECEMBER 8 — CROWS LAND CUT TIGER

Richmond midfielder Grace Egan has found a new footy home, linking up three-time AFLW premiers Adelaide for the 2026 season.

The Crows on Monday traded in Egan and sent Pick 38 back to Richmond.

The Tigers last month encouraged Egan — who’s played 66 games and had five top-six best and fairest finishes in six seasons — to explore her trade options. 

“Grace has played at a consistently high level for a long period of time and still has so much growth in her game,” Crows AFLW boss Phil Harper said.

“She will bring more strength and experience to our midfield.

“Grace showed incredible resilience and work ethic to get back to playing football this season and finished the year particularly well.

“We are excited about the impact Grace can have both on and off the field.”

DECEMBER 8 — GARDEN OF EDEN MOVES WEST

Arguably the biggest deal of the 2025 AFLW trade period has been finalised, with Melbourne premiership star Eden Zanker’s club switch wish granted.

Zanker on Monday officially joined Fremantle via a trade that also saw the Dockers land Lily Johnson, Pick 35 and a future fourth-round pick (tied to Melbourne).

In exchange, the Demons acquired Pick 9, Pick 27, Pick 81 and a future second-round pick (tied to Fremantle).

The signing of Zanker, 26, is a significant coup for the Dockers, who were looking for a strong forward 50 player as they prepare to play more games without sidelined star Aine Tighe.

“Eden is a player we’ve been watching very closely for a long period of time, and we are thrilled to get a deal done with Melbourne, which will see her at Freo for at least the next four seasons,” Dockers AFLW list boss Darryn Fry said.

“Eden’s presence as a key focal point in the forward line, where we know she will present strongly both on a lead and aerially was very appealing for us and we think her experience will be invaluable for our younger players in their ongoing development.”

Zanker had been a mainstay of the Demons’ line-up since 2018, playing 86 games. Outside of superstar skipper Kate Hore, Zanker had been Melbourne’s biggest offensive threat, booting 51 goals across the past three seasons, including 22 in 2025.

Despite being left disappointed by Zanker’s departure, Demons AFLW general manager Clare Pettyfor said she was confident the trade with Fremantle puts Melbourne “in a favourable position” ahead of the draft.

“We understand this has not been a decision that Eden has come to lightly. She has been a key pillar of our program over the past eight years, but we respect the decision that her and her partner Nikita have made to explore opportunities in WA,” Pettyfor said.

“As one of the premier forwards in the competition, we wanted to ensure that her departure allowed us to strengthen our hand, heading into this year’s draft.”

Hours later, the Demons packaged up Pick 27 with Pick 17 — their natural first-round selection — and sent it to the Suns, who sent back Pick 14 and their future second-rounder.

It means the Suns, who started the trade period with Picks 1 and 20, now hold Picks 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27 and 32.

DECEMBER 8 — GIANTS BOLTZ-STER BACKLINE

The Giants have added much-needed defensive depth, signing premiership Lion Poppy Boltz after trading away their future compensation pick.

The AFL on Monday confirmed Boltz and Brisbane’s future second-rounder had been traded to the Giants, who sent their 2026 end-of-first-round compensation selection back to the Lions.

The Giants late last month were handed two compensation selections — Pick 3 in this year’s draft and Pick 19 in next year’s draft — as part of the draft and list assistance package they received from the AFL.

Boltz joins the Giants after managing 28 games in three seasons for the Lions.

She played in Brisbane’s 2023 grand final triumph and featured in all 14 games in their 2024 runner-up campaign, but fell out of favour this year to play just three matches.

“We’re ecstatic that Poppy selected the Giants for the next chapter of her AFLW career,” Giants AFLW boss Alison Zell said.

“She will be an important addition to our backline and brings plenty of strength to our defensive structure and contest game and we believe she will thrive in the GIANTS program and culture.”

DECEMBER 8 — ROO MOVES WEST

Another North Melbourne player has moved clubs, with Ella Slocombe heading home to Western Australia.

The AFL on Monday confirmed the Kangaroos had traded Slocombe and a future fourth-rounder (tied to Richmond) to West Coast in exchange for Pick 48.

A Claremont product, Slocombe was taken by North Melbourne with Pick 26 in the 2023 draft, but managed just one AFLW game in her two seasons at the club due to injury and a stacked senior line-up.

“Ella was a valuable part of our premiership-winning squad over the last two years,” North Melbourne general manager of women’s football Erin Lorenzini said.

“She’s a great young player with a terrific attitude. We wish her well as she heads back closer to home.”

DECEMBER 8 — SUNS LOAD UP AS SEVERAL BIG DEALS CONFIRMED

The Gold Coast Suns have landed one of the AFLW’s most accomplished players while arming themselves with a suite of picks as they prepare to welcome an array of academy stars via the draft.

Hours after sending Pick 1 to Richmond on Sunday, the Suns executed two more crucial trades amid their hard reset.

Carlton first landed Suns duo Lauren Bella and Claudia Whitfort in exchange for Pick 19 and a future-second selection (tied to North Melbourne).

Bella leaves Gold Coast after playing a club-record 66 games but struggling to maintain her spot in the senior Suns side in 2025. Whitfort endured an injury-interrupted past two seasons at the Suns, but comes with a strong reputation after claiming Gold Coast’s best and fairest award — and finishing runner-up in the AFLW Best and Fairest award — in 2023.

Then the Suns pulled off a significant coup, trading in triple premiership Crow Anne Hatchard in a deal that saw multiple selections trade hands.

As well as Hatchard, the Suns acquired Picks 14, 21 and 32, while sending Pick 4, Pick 38 and their future-first rounder to Adelaide.

The two trades mean the Suns now hold Picks 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 32 in the 2025 AFLW Draft, putting them in a strong position to match early bids on several of their top academy prospects, including Ava Usher, Georja Davies, Sunny Lappin, Dekota Baron and Alannah Welsh.

While clubs use the DVI points system in the boys draft, AFLW list management teams can only match bids using a selection within 18 picks after when that bid is launched. For instance, if a Suns academy prospect attracts a Pick 1 bid, Gold Coast can match it with a selection between Picks 2 and 19. As it stands, they would use Pick 14 to match a Pick 1 bid.

Considering Gold Coast’s 18th-place finish this year with the youngest list in the competition – combined with the fact the Suns’ average age is about to decrease again this off-season due to the academy influx – the acquisition of Hatchard is crucial.

A four-time All-Australian, three-time club best and fairest winner and Season 6 grand final best on ground medallist, Hatchard brings much-needed class and experience to Gold Coast’s list in a trade that compliments the club’s trade and draft strategy.

Hatchard also links back up with ex-Crows teammate Erin Phillips, who was recently appointed the Suns’ new general manager of women’s football.

“I’ve enjoyed 10 great seasons at the Crows, winning the ultimate prize and creating lifelong memories and friendships, but I’m thrilled to be starting this exciting new chapter on the Gold Coast,” Hatchard said.

“I have always admired the lifestyle on the Gold Coast – it’s a place my wife Georgie and I have always enjoyed visiting, and I’m looking forward to now calling it home.

“What excites me most about this club is the amount of young talent coming through. Hopefully I can impart some of my experiences and play a part in achieving success for the Suns.

“The chance to re-unite with Erin Phillips is exciting too. Having grown up as a basketballer and playing much of my football career alongside her, I’ve always held her in such high regard and the chance to play under the guidance of both Erin and (coach) Rhyce Shaw is something that I’m really looking forward to.”

While the loss of Hatchard is significant, the Crows have now landed an early first-round selection in this year’s draft (Pick 4). Plus it’s anticipated Gold Coast’s future first-rounder — which is now in Adelaide’s hands — will be an early pick in the 2026 draft.

“Our sustained success and ability to retain core talent, coupled with the League’s equalisation measures with expansion teams, has meant we have had limited access to early draft picks in recent years,” Crows AFLW boss Phil Harper said.

“We are now entering a new era and there’s an opportunity to reshape our squad, which we will do in a really deliberate, well thought-out manner, while pushing hard to deliver more on-field success.”

DECEMBER 7 — TIGERS LAND NO. 1 PICK IN BLOCKBUSTER SUNS SWAP

Richmond has acquired the No. 1 pick of the 2025 AFLW Draft from Gold Coast in a blockbuster trade.

The deal saw the Tigers land the picks 1, 56 and a future third-rounder in exchange for selections 4 and 22.

Several clubs had been clamouring for the first overall selection after Gold Coast shopped the prized pick so they can, much like in the club’s recent AFL drafts, match bids on their gun Academy crop.

The Suns have as many as five first-round prospects to match bids on including Ava Usher, Sunny Lappin, Georja Davies, Dekota Baron and Alannah Welsh.

“This trade allows us to hold a selection at the top of the draft order whilst also bolstering our hand with the addition of a second-round selection,” Suns AFLW recruiting boss Thomas Waldron said.

The Suns, coming off a two-win season in Rhyce Shaw’s first as coach, now own picks No.4, 19, 20, 22 and 38 in this month’s draft.

Richmond meanwhile adds the No. 1 pick after a two-win season that resulted in the club parting ways with coach Ryan Ferguson and head of footy Kate Sheahan in a bold clean-out this week.

DECEMBER 5 — TIGERS POUNCE ON UNTAPPED ROO

Richmond has added youthful exuberance to its rebuild, finalising a trade with North Melbourne for Georgia Stubs on Friday morning.

The Kangaroos traded Stubs and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Tigers in exchange for their 2026 fourth-rounder.

Stubs, the 30th pick in the 2023 national draft, wasn’t able to break into Darren Crocker’s back-to-back premiership line-up this season.

But the 20-year-old, after overcoming a fractured ankle that cruelled her campaign last year, is set to bring speed and explosiveness to Richmond’s midfield or half-backline.

The Tigers are on the search for a new senior coach after dismissing six-year mentor Ryan Ferguson on Thursday following an external review into the women’s program.

DECEMBER 4 — BOMBERS SWOOP ON ANOTHER FIRST-ROUNDER

Essendon has gained another first-round pick at this month’s national draft in a trade with St Kilda that went official on Thursday afternoon.

The Saints traded Pick 13 and Pick 49 to the Bombers in exchange for the 24th and 42nd selections, as well as a 2026 second-rounder.

The swap means the Bombers now own the sixth and 13th selections at Monday week’s draft, with the club also looking to strike a trade with Adelaide for Zoe Prowse, who’s nominated the Hangar as her desired destination.

DECEMBER 4 — GIANTS, CROWS COMPLETE PICK SWAP IN FIRST DEAL STRUCK

Adelaide has sent its future first-round pick to the Giants for the 21st and 39th selections in the first deal of the trade period.

It gives the Crows a wide assortment of picks, No.14, 21, 32, 39 and 50, for the draft later this month.

Adelaide is set to further bolster its draft hand with Brooke Boileau and Zoe Prowse requesting trades to Carlton and Essendon respectively.

DECEMBER 4 — THE DEALS TO GO DOWN

A possible Fremantle-Melbourne deal for Eden Zanker could be the gateway to a blockbuster Pick 1 trade, with the Demons set to arm themselves with as many as three first-round picks.

Zanker, whose eye-catching campaign for the Demons was headlined by 22 goals, could net the Dees two first-round picks, adding to the one they already hold.

Melbourne is coming off a preliminary final berth but has been linked to the Suns’ no.1 pick in hopes of further bolstering its list.

But rebuilding Richmond is considered just as likely, if not a bigger candidate, to make a bold trade move for the top draft selection — currently holding the fourth and 22nd choices.

If it’s the Tigers, Gold Coast could then move down further from the no.4 slot if it wanted to accumulate more matching power as it looks to swoop on its highly-touted Academy talents, headlined by Sunny Lappin.

AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge reports Richmond is “now viewed as the favourites to land the no.1 pick” from the Suns.

Adelaide has publicly declared its interest in making a move for the no.1 choice, while St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs have also been linked.

READ ALSO: Mega AFLW trade & draft state of play

Meanwhile, Essendon is set to bring in another first-rounder in a pick swap with St Kilda, with Picks 13 and 49 going the Bombers’ way in exchange for Picks 24, 42 and a future second-rounder.

Two-time Brisbane premiership star Taylor Smith has requested a trade to Sydney, while Adelaide young gun Zoe Prowse has opted to join Essendon after interest from multiple clubs.

It comes after the Bulldogs’ Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner nominated back-to-back premiers North Melbourne as her preferred destination, while the Dogs are set to trade in Collingwood midfielder Mikala Cann, and Grace Egan is expected to land at Adelaide after Richmond told her to explore her options.

EVERY COMPLETED DEAL

Thursday December 4

1. GWS Giants get a 2026 first-round pick (tied to Adelaide). Adelaide gets Pick 21 and Pick 39.

2. Essendon gets Pick 13 and Pick 49. St Kilda gets Pick 24, Pick 42 and a 2026 second-round pick.

Friday December 5

3. Richmond gets Georgia Stubs and a 2026 fourth-round pick (tied to North Melbourne). North Melbourne gets a 2026 fourth-round pick (tied to Richmond).

4. Carlton gets Pick 19 and a 2026 second-round pick (tied to North Melbourne). North Melbourne gets a 2026 first-round selection (tied to Carlton) and a 2026 third-round selection (tied to Carlton).

Saturday December 6

No trades

Sunday December 7

5. Gold Coast gets Pick 4 and Pick 22. Richmond gets Pick 1, Pick 56 and a 2026 third-round pick (tied to Gold Coast).

6. Carlton gets Lauren Bella and Claudia Whitfort. Gold Coast gets Pick 19 and a 2026 second-round pick (tied to North Melbourne).

7. Gold Coast gets Anne Hatchard, Pick 14, Pick 21 and Pick 32. Adelaide gets Pick 4, Pick 38 and a 2026 first-round pick (tied to Gold Coast).

Monday December 8

8. West Coast gets Ella Slocombe and a 2026 fourth-round pick (tied to Richmond). North Melbourne gets Pick 48.

9. GWS Giants get Poppy Boltz and a 2026 second-round pick (tied to Brisbane). Brisbane Lions get a 2026 end-of-first-round compensation pick (Pick 19, initially given to the Giants as part of an AFL assistance package).

10. Fremantle gets Eden Zanker, Lily Johnson, Pick 35 and a 2026 fourth-round pick (tied to Melbourne). Melbourne gets Pick 9, Pick 27, Pick 81 and a 2026 second-round pick (tied to Fremantle).

11. Adelaide gets Grace Egan. Richmond gets Pick 38.

12. Gold Coast gets Pick 17 and Pick 27. Melbourne gets Pick 14 and a 2026 second-round pick (tied to Gold Coast).