AFLW 2025 AFLW season - Geelong & the greater league...

[cats_09]

KEY AFLW PLAYER MOVEMENT DATES​

• November 6 - AFLW Draft Nominations open 9am (AEDST)
• November 27 - AFLW Draft Nominations close 5pm (AEDST)
• December 4 to December 10 - AFLW Trade Period
  
  
• December 15, 2025 - 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft

Geelong's current picks - 7, 25, 43, 61 & 79

Link to current Draft Picks

Indicative AFLW Draft Order

Check out your club's picks for the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft

www.afl.com.au

 

[winty]

Agree with Kate on this regarding list sizes

Should have similar list sizes to the AFL and incorporate the VFLW or 2nd sides into a reserves competition which plays before the AFLW games - let people get to watch 2 games for the price of one.

 

[noclashjumpers]

Maybe someone should send the list managers a quick text to tell them the trade period is happening?
Or maybe they're waiting to see a comprehensive list of delisted players?
I don't know what her contract status is, but if I were Pres, I would be tempted to have a chat with my manager.

 

[cats_09]

Maybe someone should send the list managers a quick text to tell them the trade period is happening?
Or maybe they're waiting to see a comprehensive list of delisted players?
I don't know what her contract status is, but if I were Pres, I would be tempted to have a chat with my manager.

Committed to Geelong and not sure there's even been murmurings of looking elsewhere

The trade period runs until Wednesday, and the vast majority of trades so far have been pick swaps - it's mainly been GC active in trying to open up list spots and secure enough late R1 and earlish R2 picks so they can match up to 6 academy bids, even if 4 of those bids come in the first four picks:

Gold Coast now holds Picks 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 32, which means even if bids come for their top four talents in Ava Usher, Georja Davies, Sunny Lappin and Dekota Baron in the first four selections, the Suns will be able to match. For good measure the Suns have that fifth selection inside the top 22 which they can use to trade back, or just match, with that and Pick 32 able to secure Mikayla Nurse and Alannah Welsh in whichever order.

At the moment, the Hatchard trade has been the biggest one this trade period and even that seems favorable for GC:

Adelaide gains: Pick 4, Pick 38 and 2026 first-rounder (Gold Coast)
Adelaide loses: Anne Hatchard, Pick 14, Pick 21, Pick 32


And as per Riley Beveridge, they'll soon secure future picks to help with those academy players with a pick swap with Melbourne:

Gold Coast now plans to send Pick 14 from the Anne Hatchard deal and a future second to Melbourne for Picks 17 and 27.

It's set to leave the Suns with Picks 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27 and 32 (with more room to move) to secure their raft of talented Academy prospects.


--/

Yes we've been quiet, but maybe we're not interested in helping GC bank draft picks to help them with their crazy number of academy selections they're likely to be taking next Monday night - we may instead try bidding on some of those players

We were reportedly an interested party in Zoe Prowse, but she nominated Essendon and now there's something of a deadlock between then and Adelaide in terms of a suitable trade

There's been minimal news on the Eliza James front, but maybe we'll hear something soon


One of the things that works for us in the AFL is being able to sell the lifestyle to prospective players; that's a lot harder sell in what's still essentially a part-time league where a tiered salary structure is still in play rather than a full salary cap with flexibility

The trade & draft period is held in Dec with pre-season training not commencing until approx the 3rd week of May - players who are settled where they currently live with study, jobs, family etc, aren't necessarily looking to make a move to a new region where it may disrupt some of that

That's likely a contributing factor for why it's easier to attract fringe players or those looking for more opportunities, rather than a higher profile player settled at their current team

We've got an open senior coaching position, so depending on who we sign could sway things on that front

 

[terry_bright]

Yes we've been quiet, but maybe we're not interested in helping GC bank draft picks to help them with their crazy number of academy selections they're likely to be taking next Monday night - we may instead try bidding on some of those players

We were reportedly an interested party in Zoe Prowse, but she nominated Essendon and now there's something of a deadlock between then and Adelaide in terms of a suitable trade

There's been minimal news on the Eliza James front, but maybe we'll hear something soon


One of the things that works for us in the AFL is being able to sell the lifestyle to prospective players; that's a lot harder sell in what's still essentially a part-time league where a tiered salary structure is still in play rather than a full salary cap with flexibility

The trade & draft period is held in Dec with pre-season training not commencing until approx the 3rd week of May - players who are settled where they currently live with study, jobs, family etc, aren't necessarily looking to make a move to a new region where it may disrupt some of that

That's likely a contributing factor for why it's easier to attract fringe players or those looking for more opportunities, rather than a higher profile player settled at their current team

We've got an open senior coaching position, so depending on who we sign could sway things on that front

I think the Gold Coast thing isn't a factor at all for us, and it shouldn't be. Bid on an academy kid in the draft if you really want them, fair enough, but getting involved in petty games of not swapping picks to spite someone shouldn't be our mindset. We having bigger issues with our list we should be focusing our attention towards. In fact I'm surprised we haven't been involved in a pick swap considering what our picks are, and the number of spots we need to fill.

Totally agree with salary cap and semi-professional nature of the AFLW that you mentioned (really hindered us with our intital list build as well) but there are 2 other factors more at play this draft/trade period IMO.
1. We're not an attractive team to potential targets on a footballing front. Two years of poor footy, no coach, no captain, and a squad we are effectively rebuilding. That's a hard sell.
2. We have very few levers we can pull for a trade. 6 spots to fill (if Stewart comes) and not a lot in draft capital. Can trade players but no net gain really in list numbers. We are in a jam.

 

[cats_09]

I think the Gold Coast thing isn't a factor at all for us, and it shouldn't be. Bid on an academy kid in the draft if you really want them, fair enough, but getting involved in petty games of not swapping picks to spite someone shouldn't be our mindset. We having bigger issues with our list we should be focusing our attention towards. In fact I'm surprised we haven't been involved in a pick swap considering what our picks are, and the number of spots we need to fill.

Totally agree with salary cap and semi-professional nature of the AFLW that you mentioned (really hindered us with our intital list build as well) but there are 2 other factors more at play this draft/trade period IMO.
1. We're not an attractive team to potential targets on a footballing front. Two years of poor footy, no coach, no captain, and a squad we are effectively rebuilding. That's a hard sell.
2. We have very few levers we can pull for a trade. 6 spots to fill (if Stewart comes) and not a lot in draft capital. Can trade players but no net gain really in list numbers. We are in jam.

It was a bit tongue in check regarding the pick swaps - it's more that our picks aren't in the right area either to get involved

GC traded picked 1, 4th round pick (56) and future 3rd, to
Richmond for, pick 4 and pick 22

GC then turned pick 4 and future 1st into Hatchard, pick 14 & pick 21 with a swap of third round picks in there also


Our first couple of picks are 7 & 25 - they wouldn't be enough for pick 1, we would have had to look to included a future pick which I think we'd be reluctant to do at this stage. Would those 2 be enough to get pick 3 from GWS who also have pick 2?

I wouldn't be surprised if we were happy to trade those couple of picks for the right player, but the players got to want to come

Wonder if we'll see some live trading on the night

 

[terry_bright]

It was a bit tongue in check regarding the pick swaps - it's more that our picks aren't in the right area either to get involved

GC traded picked 1, 4th round pick (56) and future 3rd, to
Richmond for, pick 4 and pick 22

GC then turned pick 4 and future 1st into Hatchard, pick 14 & pick 21 with a swap of third round picks in there also


Our first couple of picks are 7 & 25 - they wouldn't be enough for pick 1, we would have had to look to included a future pick which I think we'd be reluctant to do at this stage. Would those 2 be enough to get pick 3 from GWS who also have pick 2?

I wouldn't be surprised if we were happy to trade those couple of picks for the right player, but the players got to want to come

Wonder if we'll see some live trading on the night

Live trading is a definite option. Particularly future picks to get back into this draft.

I can't see us bringing in players other than DFA's in the trade period. Maybe a fringe player for a late pick.

It's all about the draft this year.

 

[goyoucatters]

Live trading is a definite option. Particularly future picks to get back into this draft.

I can't see us bringing in players other than DFA's in the trade period. Maybe a fringe player for a late pick.

It's all about the draft this year.

Absolutely. And given our current suite of picks and our overall drafting history in the AFLW, you simply shudder to think of how this will go. Still, given the overall improvement in the quality of drafted talent across the comp over the last few years, at least the players we draft could be expected to hopefully track a little better as players than similar mediocre picks from past years.

Cold comfort, of course.

 

[noclashjumpers]

Committed to Geelong and not sure there's even been murmurings of looking elsewhere

The trade period runs until Wednesday, and the vast majority of trades so far have been pick swaps - it's mainly been GC active in trying to open up list spots and secure enough late R1 and earlish R2 picks so they can match up to 6 academy bids, even if 4 of those bids come in the first four picks:



At the moment, the Hatchard trade has been the biggest one this trade period and even that seems favorable for GC:

Adelaide gains: Pick 4, Pick 38 and 2026 first-rounder (Gold Coast)
Adelaide loses: Anne Hatchard, Pick 14, Pick 21, Pick 32


And as per Riley Beveridge, they'll soon secure future picks to help with those academy players with a pick swap with Melbourne:

Gold Coast now plans to send Pick 14 from the Anne Hatchard deal and a future second to Melbourne for Picks 17 and 27.

It's set to leave the Suns with Picks 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27 and 32 (with more room to move) to secure their raft of talented Academy prospects.


--/

Yes we've been quiet, but maybe we're not interested in helping GC bank draft picks to help them with their crazy number of academy selections they're likely to be taking next Monday night - we may instead try bidding on some of those players

We were reportedly an interested party in Zoe Prowse, but she nominated Essendon and now there's something of a deadlock between then and Adelaide in terms of a suitable trade

There's been minimal news on the Eliza James front, but maybe we'll hear something soon


One of the things that works for us in the AFL is being able to sell the lifestyle to prospective players; that's a lot harder sell in what's still essentially a part-time league where a tiered salary structure is still in play rather than a full salary cap with flexibility

The trade & draft period is held in Dec with pre-season training not commencing until approx the 3rd week of May - players who are settled where they currently live with study, jobs, family etc, aren't necessarily looking to make a move to a new region where it may disrupt some of that

That's likely a contributing factor for why it's easier to attract fringe players or those looking for more opportunities, rather than a higher profile player settled at their current team

We've got an open senior coaching position, so depending on who we sign could sway things on that front

I hope you're right. Because, right now, from the outside, we look like a headless chicken. Combine that with the fact that our list management decisions over the last few years have been poor.
I just hope that the messaging the players are getting on the inside contrasts starkly with the disorder that we're presenting to the outside world.
If it's not, and the girls are getting a whiff of indecision and chaos, I wouldn't blame them if they started to reflect on how this impacts their careers.

 

[goyoucatters]

I hope you're right. Because, right now, from the outside, we look like a headless chicken. Combine that with the fact that our list management decisions over the last few years have been poor.
I just hope that the messaging the players are getting on the inside contrasts starkly with the disorder that we're presenting to the outside world.
If it's not, and the girls are getting a whiff of indecision and chaos, I wouldn't blame them if they started to reflect on how this impacts their careers.

It's not like Georgie has inherent links to or love for Geelong as a club. She is an elite player fronting up in a bang average team, with little sign that anything about that is going to change in a hurry. You could hardly blame her for having a look at her options if the malaise continues.

 

[cats_09]

 

[goyoucatters]

Compromised draft, anyone?

How thoroughly laughable that a mechanism that was designed to help equity across the competition is now so easily manipulated to entrench outrageous advantages for a select few.

Woeful.

 

[cats_09]

Compromised draft, anyone?

How thoroughly laughable that a mechanism that was designed to help equity across the competition is now so easily manipulated to entrench outrageous advantages for a select few.

Woeful.

In terms of the players coming through the GC academy, the girls linked to them this year are quite possible at a higher level than the boys their mens side just picked up in the AFL draft, respective to the other talent available in the draft. As per Central’s AFLW Draft Power Rankings from Sept (not sure there’s a newer one), here’s how the GC gals academy players rank:

Ava Usher - #1
Sunny Lappin - #3
Georja Davies - #4
Dekota Baron - #6
Mikayla Nurse - #16
Alannah Welsh - #23

That’s 4 academy picks not just the top 10 but the top 6, with 2 further academy players in the top 25 and they’ve got the picks to match bids on each of those players

So bidding on an academy player isn’t neccessarily about making GC pay up but also because they’ve got some damn strong players coming through their academy. And this is where I again question the validity of academy eligibility criteria - Sunny Lappin is the daughter of Matthew Lappin who played 251 games for St Kilda & Carlton; no one can convince me that she’d be lost to footy or not have a pathway without the academy process


Also ranked in the top 10 as per Central - Alex Neyland at #7 who is a Swans academy player

AFLW Draft Power Rankings: September 2025

The Rookie Me Central 2025 AFLW Draft Power Rankings are in, with plenty of movement post-national championships and seasons ending.

central.rookieme.com

 

[Geminicatz01]

The Pies are expected to hang on to contracted forward Eliza James, who had initial interest from Geelong, while a deal to trade fellow contracted Pie Mikala Cann to the Western Bulldogs is on-going. - Sarah Black

 

[Geminicatz01]

A bit young.....

GEELONG is hopeful of a late trade move for St Kilda veteran Nicola Stevens.



Stevens has told Saints officials of her preference to move to GMHBA Stadium ahead of Wednesday's 4pm AEDT trade deadline, having been offered a multi-year deal by the Cats beyond next season.



However, the 32-year-old is contracted for 2026, with a trade now needing to be negotiated between the two clubs in a potentially complicating factor with just over 24 hours remaining in the window.



A move to Geelong would be Stevens' fourth AFLW club, having previously represented Collingwood, Carlton and then St Kilda across a decorated 92-game career that included an All-Australian appearance in 2017. – Riley Beveridge

 

[goyoucatters]

A bit young.....

GEELONG is hopeful of a late trade move for St Kilda veteran Nicola Stevens.



Stevens has told Saints officials of her preference to move to GMHBA Stadium ahead of Wednesday's 4pm AEDT trade deadline, having been offered a multi-year deal by the Cats beyond next season.



However, the 32-year-old is contracted for 2026, with a trade now needing to be negotiated between the two clubs in a potentially complicating factor with just over 24 hours remaining in the window.



A move to Geelong would be Stevens' fourth AFLW club, having previously represented Collingwood, Carlton and then St Kilda across a decorated 92-game career that included an All-Australian appearance in 2017. – Riley Beveridge

Certainly fits with our list build over the journey. Get in players who are either the dictionary definition of 'those well past their best', or instead opt for those who never set the world on fire in the first place.

And if a player can meet both criteria all at once, they'll absolutely fit in perfectly.

 

[cats_09]

Will this work out more successfully than the Marshall trade...

 

[winty]

Will this work out more successfully than the Marshall trade...

Probably not.

 

[cats_09]

A bit young.....

GEELONG is hopeful of a late trade move for St Kilda veteran Nicola Stevens.

Stevens has told Saints officials of her preference to move to GMHBA Stadium ahead of Wednesday's 4pm AEDT trade deadline, having been offered a multi-year deal by the Cats beyond next season.

However, the 32-year-old is contracted for 2026, with a trade now needing to be negotiated between the two clubs in a potentially complicating factor with just over 24 hours remaining in the window.

A move to Geelong would be Stevens' fourth AFLW club, having previously represented Collingwood, Carlton and then St Kilda across a decorated 92-game career that included an All-Australian appearance in 2017. – Riley Beveridge

Looks like a target to help fill a need behind the ball - at 174cm, Stevens could step in as that 3rd tall behind the ball to help Gunjaca and the developing Gregor

She's taller than our other defenders like Rankin & Webster, and could even maybe help free up a player like Webster to spend a bit more time up the field as that bigger bodied mid that we currently lack

 

[cats_09]

Probably not.

Can St Kilda send this list manager to the trade table next year...




This now locks in our future first which is good, and some flexibility with the future third coming back

 

[cats_09]

If it helps ease the pain of those who may not have been excited by the trade rumour and now deal, there's St Kilda fans online who aren't happy and feel ripped off by the trade

 

[winty]

 

[winty]

We've been busy....

 

[winty]

And the announcements keep coming....

 

[terry_bright]

The most predictable trade period ever.

Now to the draft.