Today marked the official end of the AFLW Trade and Sign period with the Lions using the time to lock away its premiership talent.
The 2021 premiership winning side are all locked in for season six of the AFLW and a total of 15 players also took the opportunity to add a further year to their deals.
The Lions extended the contracts of Shannon Campbell, Dakota Davidson, Belle Dawes, Tahlia Hickie, Breanna Koenen, Kate Lutkins, Taylor Smith, Emily Bates, Nat Grider, Cathy Svarc, Lily Postlethwaite, Jesse Wardlaw, Courtney Hodder, Orla O’Dwyer and Indy Tahau to the 2023 season.
Lions Head of Women’s Football, Breek Brock, said the commitment by the girls to the footy club and each other was fantastic.
“The girls are really committed to the Club and to each other and that shows in the way so many have signed extensions,’’ she said.
“Stability is the key to any successful sporting organisation and that is what we are creating here at the Lions.
“The premiership was a huge achievement for our Club and the players, but these girls have shown they are really only just getting started.’’
The Lions also secured the services of former Richmond Defender Phoebe Monahan as a delisted free agent during the period.
Monahan is a tough, reliable defender whose clean hands and clever decision-making make her a formidable competitor.
The final changes to the Lions list came with 3 delisting’s; Jordan Zanchetta, Beth Pinchin and Selina Priest were not offered new contracts, however the Club thanked them and recognized their fantastic contribution during their time in Lions colours.
“Jordan, Beth and Selina have all been a huge part of our group over the last few seasons and we thank them and wish them the very best going forward” said Brock.
“It’s exciting to have the squad locked away and now we turn our attention to what’s going to be an intense block of pre-season training.
“I know all of the players are looking forward to coming together ahead of the next season and doing the work required to have another successful year.”
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