The West Coast Eagles have gained emerging defender Annabel Johnson and pick 24 in next Monday’s draft after reaching a three-way trade with Geelong and Brisbane.
Ex-Cat Johnson follows Roxy Roux (Fremantle) and Alison Drennan (Gold Coast) to the Eagles this Trade Period, while West Coast has farewelled Shanae Davison and Eleanor Hartill to Brisbane as part of the three-way deal.
The Lions sent pick 24 to the Eagles as part of the trade.
The 23-year-old debuted for the Cats in season six, before the bright start to her career was cut short with a foot injury.
Johnson made a successful return and suited up in every game in season seven, her intercept marking was outstanding amongst other defenders in the League, and she was named in the extended 22Under22 squad at the conclusion of the season.
The Echuca product played in the season-opener for the 2023 season, but unfortunately suffered a knee injury that saw her sidelined for the remainder of the year.
Johnson’s soccer background has proved beneficial in her football career, helping her to read the play better than almost any player in the competition and she will be a welcome and handy inclusion to the Eagles backline.
“’Bel’ is a small defender who disappointingly missed most of the season through injury,” AFLW List Manager Jordan Loxley said.
“She is a real competitor who has wonderful vision in traffic and reads the ball coming into the backline exceptionally well.
“She is a great person who is going to fit into this tight playing group really well.”
The Eagles’ current draft hand includes picks No.2, 23, 24, 42 and 62 with one day remaining in the 2023 AFLW Trade Period.
