The AFL Women’s 2019 Trade and Signing Period has come to a close, with 19 players retained on Fremantle’s AFLW list.
AFLW Manager Darryn Fry said the signing of Jasmin Stewart on Friday concluded a successful signing period for Fremantle.
“We’re really pleased with the 19 players we’ve retained on our list,” Fry said.
“It certainly provides us with the core crux of our list that we know are really committed in our pursuit to go deeper in finals in 2020 and beyond.”
Fry said the loss of eight players to West Coast as a result of expansion rules was somewhat inevitable, as the number of teams in the league continues to grow for the 2020 season.
Defender Cassie Davidson also joined West Coast as a non-expansion signing today.
“We facilitated a trade for Cassie Davidson to West Coast for pick 86,” Fry said.
“Part of that process was Cassie’s desire for a fresh start and for her to be able to remain in Perth which was a priority for her.
“For us to be able to work with West Coast in securing that was a really good outcome for Cassie.
“We certainly acknowledge the contribution of the nine girls to Fremantle, and we wish them all the best for their continued football journey.”
Three players in Ebony Dowson, Tayla McAuliffe and Brianna Moyes have not been offered contracts for the 2020 season.
The decision comes as McAuliffe takes a step away from football while the club remains committed to Moyes through the rehabilitation process of her ACL injury.
The signing period ends as the 2019 AFLW Draft order was confirmed on Tuesday.
Fremantle will take pick number 12 into the first round of the draft, which is the highest pick for a WA-based team.
Freo also have picks 21, 35, 51, 66, 81, and 86.
AFLW Senior Coach Trent Cooper said Fremantle was pleased with how the draft order unfolded.
“We received a compensation pick, as did Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs as a result of those expansion signings,” Cooper said.
“As for our first pick in the AFLW draft, we’ll be looking closely at the talent pool in the State 18’s, as well as mature-aged talent to add to our side.”
The AFLW competition now shifts into the Free Agency period which runs until April 30.
