Fremantle have secured North Melbourne midfielder Jess Trend after completing two separate trades on Tuesday in the AFLW sign and trade period.

Freo secured Trend from the Kangaroos for pick no.44 while inaugural Fremantle AFLW player Tayla Bresland was traded to the Eagles for pick no.46.

Trend has two years of AFLW experience to her name, playing every game for North Melbourne since their inaugural season in 2019.

The winger has played 14 AFLW games for North after previously playing for Essendon in the VFLW.

Fremantle AFLW manager Darryn Fry said Trend would be an asset in Freo’s midfield.

“Jess is a very good runner, she has the ability to play as either a running half back or outside midfielder. She adds some versatility to our list,” Fry said.

“She suits our game style with the running power that she brings.

“She’s also an outstanding character and provides strong leadership. That was evident in the discussions we’ve had with her and we think she’ll be a great fit for our group.”

Bresland played 17 games for Fremantle between 2017 and 2019 but couldn’t break into the side in 2020 after a limited pre-season due to injury and her commitments to the Defence Force.
Fry thanked the defender for her contributions to the club.

“Tayla has been on our list for all four seasons in the AFLW. She’s a great person and really popular amongst the group. She leaves with our good wishes,” Fry said.

“It was a challenging pre-season for Tayla with her body initially and with her outside commitments.

“We’re hopeful she gets the opportunities she deserves.”