The West Coast Eagles had an eventful and Sign and Trade period, picking up some excellent talent and solidifying a strong draft hand ahead of the AFLW Draft on Monday night.
West Coast landed exciting forward Roxy Roux and secured a second-round draft pick after reaching a trade deal with Fremantle.
Roux and pick 27 in the upcoming 2023 draft were included in the deal which saw midfielder Aisling McCarthy depart to the Dockers.
The 22-year-old Dongara product is an excitement machine and a fan favourite in the League, her high-flying marks and ability to hit the scoreboard will keep the supporters on the edge of their seats.
The Eagles have also acquired experienced midfielder Alison Drennan after reaching a trade with Gold Coast.
The 32-year-old was secured by the Eagles in exchange for pick 27, which West Coast received from Fremantle as part of the Roux deal.
After a breakout season in 2021, Drennan continued her impressive form, winning the Suns' AFLW Club Champion in season six before finishing runner-up in season seven.
Emerging defender Annabel Johnson and pick 24 were also locked in for West Coast, after reaching a three-way trade with Geelong and Brisbane.
The Eagles farewelled Shanae Davison and Eleanor Hartill to Brisbane as part of the three-way deal.
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.
The Eagles further bolstered their draft hand after a 11-club mega deal was finalised on the last day of the trade period.
In the complex 11-club deal, the Eagles traded away picks 23 (Melbourne) and 24 (Port Adelaide) and in return received selections 14 and 38 from Gold Coast.
In an additional coup for the club, the Eagles signed former Richmond utility Jess Hosking as a free agent.
Hosking is a tenacious and versatile player who can play through the midfield, on the wing and down back, her crushing tackles and relentless play around the contest are a trademark of her game.
Following a successful Sign and Trade period, West Coast will take 2, 14, 38 and 42 to the draft table on Monday night.
Head of Women’s football Michelle Cowan said the club is happy with its position heading into the draft.
“We are really pleased with how this Sign and Trade period has unfolded,” Cowan said.
“It gives us a really strong presence at Monday’s draft, and we have welcomed in some great players with AFLW experience in Bel, Ali, Roxy and Jess.”
