I just received an email… better remove 3 open positions from our aflw squad… 
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New player, who dis?
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excellent news
(I’d still like a UGLE, but if I can’t have it now, I want it for my VFLW leader).
Is Ashley-Cooper any relation to the Wallaby Two-Dads?
Never listen to me.
That’s our last 2 best & fairest winners in the AFLW squad. The one prior to them both is signed to the Weagles. Not bad, VFLW program… Not bad at all.
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INCOMING!!!
Deleted. Club removed the article tweet!
10 left. Squeaky bum time for those left.
Glad we’ve upgraded someone (x2) who DIDN’T already have AFLW experience.
EDIT: forgot Federica Freakin’ Frew. Fail.
Here’s the article anyway.
The Essendon Football Club are proud to announce another three VFLW Bombers have signed with the club’s inaugural AFLW team.
Eloise Ashley-Cooper, Renee Tierney and Isabella Ayre have all committed to the Bombers’ AFLW side as open-age signings.
Reigning VFLW Best and Fairest Ashley-Cooper has impressed with her versatility across the Bombers’ backline and midfield, averaging 14.9 disposals, 8.6 kicks and 6.3 handballs per game this season.
Hailing from Finley in New South Wales, the 21-year-old’s mature approach and natural leadership has been influential since becoming a Bomber in 2019.
Lining up alongside Ashley-Cooper at AFLW level is Tierney, who joined Essendon at the start of this VFLW season after playing three seasons of NAB League with the Geelong Falcons and representing Vic Country in the AFLW U19 Girls Championships last year.
Quickly impressing with her contested marks and ability to hit the scoreboard, Tierney has been a key target up forward, kicking 16 goals throughout her 12 games in the red and black.
Adding more AFLW experience to the Bombers’ inaugural side is Ayre, who has played five VFLW games this year, averaging 13.8 disposals, 7.8 kicks and 2.6 marks.
Ayre played 12 AFLW games for Carlton and Brisbane between 2017-19 before retiring to explore career opportunities away from football.
After three years away from the game, Ayre is ready to step back up to AFLW level.
Executive general manager, football Josh Mahoney said these signings reflected the strength of the VFLW program and the success it has had in improving players’ development.
“In our inaugural VFLW season, the team won one game. Five years on and they’ve finished undefeated and minor premiers,” Mahoney said.
“These three signings in addition to the previous announcements are a fantastic reflection on our VFLW program and how it has enhanced individual players’ development while striving for team-orientated success.
“Eloise, Renee and Bella have been key to our VFLW success this year and I look forward to seeing them develop further in the AFLW environment.”
AFLW contract manager Georgia Harvey said the three players had shown great promise at VFLW level while also demonstrating their commitment to continue growing their game.
“Eloise, Renee and Bella have all been determined to develop their games and have consistently performed at VFLW level,” Harvey said.
“They all bring a different set of skills, which will complement our list well as we head towards our inaugural season.”
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Team profile just got younger (20+21+23), but all three can look after themselves.
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Confirmed that, for whatever reason, Sydney did NOT poach Ally Morphett. They’re going to give GWS a pick for her.
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Port have grabbed her.
Taken by Hawthorn.
Hawks have been given more picks than they need, and are using them to upgrade further.
the Hawks receive pick No. 9 while the Tigers will receive picks No.16 and 18 in the Victorian draft pool.
Hawthorn now has six of the first 11 picks in the Victorian portion of the draft
Bin Chickens grab 5 more (OK, they announced Ally Morphett more than a week ago), including Eliza Vale from Footscray VFLW.
I now understand why there were so few photos from the various combines… the only thing they did was a 2km run.
Partial results revealed, with Emily Everist revealed to be tall and athletic.
(We know from the photo that went with the womens.afl article that the WA run was in decent rain.)
Expansion club status including draft picks (the numbers are “state-based”):
- Essendon: 20 signed - 2, 4, 17, 19, 24, 34, 42 - that leaves 3 otherwise
- Hawthorn: 18 signed - 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 23, 33, 41 - that leaves 3 otherwise
- Port: 17 signed - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 - that leaves 5 otherwise
- Bin Chickens: 23 signed - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 13 - unless they have special rules, they will be seeking to do some trades. Note that NSW pick 13 isn’t actually a high pick for a non-NSW club.
Of course you can have extra draft picks after what is listed above, but I would expect Ess and Haw to pre-select at least 3 NAB Leaguers from their affiliated clubs.
I assume Port don’t want to draft/pre-select 13 more teenagers, so they have substantial work to do.
Sydney obviously have a smaller pool of local players, so have been very busy plucking VFLW etc players. We don’t know who/what quality has nominated for the NSW draft, but it looks like they’re almost done.
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