St Kilda have snared final season’s AFLW main goalkicker and former Brisbane star Jesse Wardlaw in a posh five-club, seven-player commerce.
Wardlaw booted 22 targets final season in Brisbane’s run to the grand remaining however has joined fellow weapons Emily Bates and Greta Bodey (each Hawthorn) in departing the Lions for Victoria.
St Kilda gave up picks No.6, No.14, No.31 and defender Clara Fitzpatrick (Gold Coast) in a deal that delivered Wardlaw and Suns defender Serene Watson.
Wardlaw will spearhead St Kilda’s assault with Caitlin Greiser and Kate Shierlaw departing for Richmond and North Melbourne respectively.
“I loved my time with Brisbane and will forever have a special bond with the girls I played with there,” Wardlaw stated.
“But to take my footy to the next level I wanted to challenge myself, move down to Melbourne and join a club with a future I really believe in, and I think I’ve found that at the Saints.
“I am unable to wait to get caught into coaching, meet extra of my teammates and do all the things I can to assist obtain success with this workforce.”
The Saints, who previously traded for Collingwood pair Steph Chiocci and Jaimee Lambert, expected Wardlaw and Watson to immediately have an impact.
“Jesse is a premiership participant and present All-Australian,” St Kilda AFLW boss Tessie McManus said.
“Her potential in entrance of aim is so spectacular and to assume that she’s solely 23-years-old ought to excite Saints followers.
“We strongly believe her best football is ahead of her and we can’t wait to have her playing with us.
“Serene is a tall, rebounding defender who actually embodies the way in which we need to play footy right here on the Saints.”
Along with Fitzpatrick, the Suns also landed former Magpie Jordan Membrey, with Collingwood receiving pick No.14 in exchange, plus former North Melbourne forward Ella Maurer.
Brisbane received former Suns midfielder Ellie Hampson and North Melbourne’s pick No.40 in the deal.
North Melbourne acquired ex-Lions defender Lulu Pullar and choose No.31.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
