The Brisbane Lions will have four opportunities to acquire the best young talent in the first round of the upcoming 2019 NAB AFLW Draft after receiving three first round picks as compensation from the AFL for their traded players. The Lions already hold the second overall pick.
The AFL have compensated the Club after Sabrina Frederick was traded to Richmond; Kate McCarthy to St Kilda and McKenzie Dowrick to West Coast Eagles.
Nat Exon will also leave the Club as the eighth player from the Lions’ list to move to an expansion club, and will play for the Saints in 2020.
Lions Women’s CEO Breeanna Brock said these three extra first round picks will ensure the Club locks in the best players who have nominated Queensland at the draft later this year.
“With the Gold Coast Suns coming on board this year the draft will be very competitive,” Brock said.
“While we are disappointed to lose quality players to other expansion clubs, we feel this will give us an advantage.”
Draft: First-round selection 2, 11, 12, 13
Signed: Ally Anderson, Lauren Arnell, Emily Bates, Shannon Campbell, Arianna Clarke, Sophie Conway, Gabby Collingwood, Jade Ellenger, Natalie Grider, Breanna Koenen, Jessy Keeffe, Kate Lutkins, Brianna McFarlane (rookie), Jesse Wardlaw, Sharni Webb, Jess Wuestchner, Jordan Zanchetta, Emma Zielke
Delisted/Traded/Expansion Signing: Bella Ayre (retired), Lauren Bella (Gold Coast), Ruby Blair (retired), Nat Exon (St Kilda), McKenzie Dowrick (West Coast), Sabrina Frederick (Richmond), Tori Groves-Little, Megan Hunt (delisted) Leah Kaslar, Kate McCarthy (St Kilda) Paige Parker, Emma Pittman, Krystal Scott (delisted) Sam Virgo, Jacqui Yorston (all Gold Coast)
