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AFLW 2025 - AFLW Trade and Draft - All the player moves
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News External review for Richmond's AFLW program.
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Hicks was a very ordinary player , literally made cox look like a gun . Little pop gun lob wedge passes , utterly hopeless in 1/1 , not sure what recruiters were seeing in her
Does she want a head of recruiting job at Richmond? Might be one going.
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wegetpumped
Norm Smith Medallist
Yeah, not surprised, as the games I have watched, hardly any people are there. The big problem with women's footy is too many bloody teams. At the top, it should have been 12 team comp and maybe another 12-team second division with promotion and relegation. We have a problem with the men's comp as not many great players to go around, and women's is much, much worse.
- Oct 27, 2014
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Richmond’s stuttering game plan and list flaws laid bare after shock 2025 fall
Richmond’s stunning fall to second-last with only two wins has exposed deep flaws in their list management and stuttering game plan. Here’s what they must do this off-season.Kate Salemme
https://twitter.com/KateSalemme
5 min read
October 30, 2025 - 5:00AM
News Sport Network
AFLW: There have been calls to move the Hawks top of the table clash against the record-breaking Kangaroos to Ikon Park.
After playing finals in two of the last three seasons, Richmond’s stunning fall to second-last with only two wins has been one of the shocks of the AFLW season.
With big-name players out of form, a stuttering game plan and list imbalance limiting options to turn fortunes around, the Tigers have had no answers.
Ranked third-last for points scored in 2025, averaging only 29 per game, they have struggled to score despite boasting a potent forward line on paper, led by captain Katie Brennan, Caitlin Greiser, Emilia Yassir and Paige Scott.
Compounding matters down the other end is Richmond has leaked big scores, conceding the fourth-most points to opposition (49).
It has been a steep decline, after last year ranking sixth for points scored (40 per game) and rated the sixth-best defence, conceding only 31 points per game.
Watching Richmond this season, the need for a more daring game plan more conducive to what successful teams are producing is clear.
Its ball movement has been too safe and slow, a far cry from the exhilarating styles produced by North Melbourne, Melbourne and Hawthorn. It has looked at times that there is no method to moving the ball as players resort to kicking long down the line, which is too easy to defend.
In part that game style is probably dictated by the players at coach Ryan Ferguson’s disposal.
There is a lack of pace and overall agility on the list, highlighted by recruiting missteps across the past two trade periods. Trading for Jodie Hicks and Ally Dallaway from GWS at the end of 2023 was an error, with too many similar types already at the club. The Tigers also traded for Montana Beruldsen from Sydney last year in a bid to bring in some speed, but she doesn’t win anywhere near enough of the ball.
The Tigers have traded for too many players already in the system rather than investing in the draft, which has resulted in too many of the same one-dimensional players and now the need to overhaul the overall athletic profile of the list. They also drafted another medium defender, Issy Bacon with pick No.13 in the 2023 draft, despite having a plethora of similar options when key forward Chantal Mason (pick No.18 to Geelong) was there and would have filled an area of need as a developing key forward to eventually replace Brennan.
I do, however, love the drafting of Sierra Grieves (pick 11) and Zoe Hargreaves (pick 20) last year. Both are elite young talents and I’m excited to see where they play Hargreaves next season, when she returns from a torn ACL. Her agility and ability to take the game on is exactly what the Tigers need, while Grieves has the potential to develop into one of the top inside midfielders in the competition.
Both Grieves and Hargreaves must play consistently next season. It’s time to see what these young players can produce, because while the likes of Kate Dempsey, Sarah Hosking, Laura McClelland, Maddie Shevlin and Tessa Lavey have served the club well, the Tigers have reached their ceiling with these experienced players. It’s time now to invest in youth, who will bring more speed and dare and transform this team into one capable of playing a more exciting and fast-paced brand of footy and take the club forward.
LIST NEEDS
The Tigers need speed and lots of it. AFLW is played at a frantic pace and the most successful teams have speed across all lines, but most importantly at halfback and through the midfield/wing, and Richmond is severely lacking in these areas. They desperately need two dynamic halfbacks who can break the lines, take the game on and put speed on the ball to isolate their dangerous forwards. The midfield, while supremely talented, is too one-dimensional. Bringing in a player who can add some chaos, like Tiger-turned-Kangaroo Eilish Sheerin did, to the mix would be ideal.They also need to find a replacement for Brennan, who is now 33. A key forward in the 22-25 age bracket would be ideal, and hybrid players with athleticism, agility, speed and good ball use.
Richmond also need to go back to what worked after making positional changes that haven’t been successful. Defender Bec Miller has been a stalwart but has been moved around this year, with stints up forward and on the wing, and it’s disrupted the defence. Play her at full back where she’s been an All-Australian squad member. This would allow Libby Graham, whose best asset is her ability to intercept, to play her more natural role.
TRADE TARGETS
Young Carlton key forward Mia Austin would be an ideal fit. At 178cm, the former No.18 draft pick has fallen out of favour and would benefit from learning from Brennan and Grieser. She’s capable of attacking the footy in the air, is an accurate set shot and has enormous upside.Melbourne’s Megan Fitzsimon has had a breakout season and would be an excellent addition to add speed and game-breaking ability to the midfield and wing. Her agility and evasive skills are exciting, she’s great by foot and can win it on both the inside and outside.
Erika O’Shea provides electric speed and game-breaking ability for North Melbourne and is exactly the type of player that would help transform the Tigers’ game style. Could more responsibility appeal to the Irishwoman?
Georgia Clarke has had a quiet season at Essendon and has been asked to play more of a lockdown role after having a breakout season as a hybrid halfback in 2024. Could pitching that role could tempt the 25-year-old, who’s also in the perfect age bracket for the Tigers.
UNTOUCHABLES
Conti, McKenzie, Grieves, Hargreaves, Brennan, Yassir, Greiser, Graham.TRADE BAIT
Grace Egan has been a steady contributor in the midfield but it might be time to mix up the onballers and hand the in and under keys to Grieves. Many clubs would be keen, including St Kilda, Essendon, Fremantle (where her sister Holly plays) and Collingwood, and she’d command a decent trade.Shevlin has been a solid contributor across her five seasons at the Tigers but has she reached her ceiling in this team?
McClelland has been thrown around into multiple roles, but never quite settling. Is she a forward? A defender? An undersized ruck? If a club came with a decent offer I’dhave a look at it, especially if it could help to bring in an Austin or O’Shea.
CRYSTAL BALL
If the Tigers overhaul their list this off-season and invest in youth, while bringing in a couple of established players with speed, they can bounce back next year. The forward line is dangerous with Brennan, Greiser, Yassir, Scott and Mackenzie Ford, but they need to be given opportunity to do damage via fast ball movement to challenge their defenders in 1v1s, rather than playing straight line footy that’s easy to defend. But, if the Tigers only make minimal changes on and off the field following the review of the AFLW program, it will be another lean season in 2026. Consistency is key when playing the kids who are the future of the club and where the game is going.
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UNTOUCHABLES
Conti, McKenzie, Grieves, Hargreaves, Brennan,Graham is very limited athletically, Greiser is average and Yessir is too inconsistent.
Brennan we need to keep for experience and mentoring for when we draft young tall forwards.
TigermanM2
Norm Smith Medallist
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Graham has been pretty good this year under a mountain of pressure. Nothing wrong with defenders with limitations. We’ve had a heap of them and some have gone on to be really important parts in premiership teams. They just play within those limitations.
Brennan was already contracted for next year and I wish we had recruited / drafted far better and had started mentoring a young key tall a couple of years ago. Recruiting here has been a total bust. I’ll keep the powder dry on Scott and see how she goes next year.
Brennan has fallen away pretty badly this year and probably for the first time, a very proud and competitive footballer is having to worry about her own worth to the team on game day. Not an ideal headspace to be mentoring.
She’ll be a far better mentor post career as a line coach. This is just my opinion of course so don’t go me.
- Oct 27, 2014
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Graham shouldn't be considered untouchable.
I agree we needed to bring in young talls earlier instead of the stop gap measures. Unfortunately we need KB as it would leave a void.
TigermanM2
Norm Smith Medallist
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Yeah I agree. Graham is far from untouchable. Just saying she’s been ok. The ball has lived down there.
A lot of criticism should be placed on our recruiting team for making decisions without any thought on where the game is heading. That’s what it seems to me anyway. We have mostly recruited players who might have been ok in AFLW of the past. The game has moved on for most of these players.
It was as clear as day that the game over the last couple of years has been getting quicker and quicker and more skillful yet speed, speed in decision making and the ability to kick hasn’t seemed like a priority.
Phar Ace
Brownlow Medallist
Respect your right to an opinion, but criticise with solutions, names, and/or suggestions perhaps. The Carlton list is coming good. Rather theirs than ours. Have no trouble with the Brad Lloyd appointment.
Phar Ace
Brownlow Medallist
We agree on Isabel Bacon - will only get better, having scratched the surface. Confidence will rise with some more success and a coach ready to give her her moments. I know it's hard to bounce back from two ACL's, but I'm keen to see whether Charley Ryan is held on to for another shot at it. Is great mates with Taylor Gatt (Nth), so don't underestimate the burning desire to make another chance work. Has a good footy brain and a Half back role might (big might) be hers if she is structurally sound upon return. We have to get rid of the bomb-it-long merchants.
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Phar Ace
Brownlow Medallist
It's scattered if it has.....
Phar Ace
Brownlow Medallist
I know she doesn't recruit the players personally, though she has at times, but she sure as hell ticks them off one way or another, so a common thread, or rather a ragged thread is Kate Sheahan in all our woes. Please start there Brad!
The Vaucluse
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I spoke to Martin Padula recently and he admitted the Carlton list wasn’t fit for purpose. The aim of Wright was to follow the Collingwood model and offload some expensive underperforming assets for draft capital. Brad Lloyd has to take some responsibility for the list and the makeup of the coaching team.
The only thing I can see regarding alternatives, is that I would have liked a female candidate to oversee the review and for that person to have headed up a successful program in women’s sport.
As I said in my post, the decision has been made and I want the Richmond AFLW program to succeed.
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Yze does it
Team Captain
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seriously hope we end up with a VFLW team out of this review.
she can he head coach that
tigs2010
wowing tiger_muff all day every day
Classic corporate speak
wegetpumped
Norm Smith Medallist
Agree, and Graham is crap also.
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How brutal Blues review sparked a finals return three years in the making
Carlton was on its knees in 2022. Now it is back in finals. So what's changed? By Gemma Bastiani
CARLTON admitted something was wrong with its AFLW program at the end of 2022.
With just six wins from 20 games across the two seasons that year, it made history by conducting an independent review to discover what exactly needed fixing.
It was prickly, resulting in staff turnover and several players leaving the club. But it was the launchpad that propelled the Blues back to finals for the first time since 2020, playing footy that fans are excited to watch week in, week out.
"When (the review) first got announced, although it was a bit of sense of dread, it was probably a little bit of relief too, because it felt like something needed to change," inaugural Blue Darcy Vescio told AFL.com.au.
"For a lot of us, we were feeling like if things continued as it was, where were we going as a footy club?
"It's actually been quite healing being part of that process to now, because I've been able to see how a club can change and implement different ideas and understand what they do matters day to day, and how they treat people, and the systems and structures that support us are really important.
"We have felt very deeply, you feel how you're supported within the club, and that impacts how you can perform. So it's been a long, short while."
As part of the review process, players – whether contracted or not – had the opportunity to make a call on their own future. Stay or go, recommit on their own terms. It empowered the players to be part of what Carlton was going to become.
Vescio was one who considered taking up an offer elsewhere, because after all, it is a business, and a lot of the time loyalty can flow just one way. But they, along with other important Blues like Breann Harrington, now-captain Abbie McKay, 2022 (S6) Telstra Rising Star winner Mimi Hill, and former captain Kerryn Peterson stuck fat.
They were also heavily involved in the instalment of Mathew Buck as the new full-time head coach.
Buck was seen externally as a risky appointment. A relative unknown, with experience within Carlton's VFL men's program and a teaching background, he didn't have a background in women's sport. But in that uncomfortable interim, where former coach Daniel Harford had been moved on and players were crying out for someone to guide optional skill sessions during the off-season, then-general manager of football Brad Lloyd asked Buck to spend some time with the AFLW players.
"The coaches had been moved on, so they needed someone to help support the program and run some skill sessions. So I got in there and did that and I found that I was enjoying that and the players were enjoying that, just around the learning that they were getting over that time," Buck explained.
"I started to really enjoy my time doing that, and kind of unwillingly. I think W just grabs you in that way, right? I fell into it, and fell in love with it, and the players entrap you in like, 'Hey, this is really good fun, isn't it? But we're getting better, and we love it, and we’ll give you absolutely everything'."
It was a ploy to get Buck invested in the W program. When Lloyd first encouraged him to apply for the role, Buck was resistant, but the time spent with players turned that around.
There was a clear enthusiasm from the playing group that took part in those sessions, and the fresh perspective from Buck gelled well with a squad that had hit a low point.
"Him just coming in and volunteering to look after us and give us something to work on and keep moving forward. And I remember the first few sessions with him people were like 'Gee, I feel like I've learned so much already'," Vescio said.
"He's showing us footage, he's talking us through different strategies, he's really critiquing and being really constructive about our technique. So I feel like he provided a lot of light during that time as well."
It meant that when Buck was chosen to lead the program heading into the 2023 season, the playing group already felt connected and ready to go, even if externally it turned some heads.
The appointment proved to be the right one, though, as Buck's steady demeanour and resistance to jumping at shadows allowed the program to commit to a long-term approach. It wasn't going to be a case of throwing everything out as soon as an obstacle was presented; instead small tweaks, trust and commitment to sustainability rather than sugar hits was the approach.
In the first pre-season of Carlton's new era, the phrase "high performance" was trotted out by the club at every opportunity. It might have seemed like the party line, but it was ultimately the first focal point of the journey. Upon those standards, that are now the norm, other aspects were layered. Just as an on-field rebuild often starts with defence and builds from there.
"We can't do it all at once. I think if you chase five rabbits, you'll catch none, right? So you've got to focus on some specific areas and that's really worked for us," Buck said.
Buck wasn't the only key result of the review. Ash Naulty was installed as the head of AFLW and seven people were employed full-time within the women's space at the club. That number has grown to 11, including Buck and his three assistant coaches – still a rarity within the AFLW.
Former AFLW players Jess Dal Pos (forwards) and Aasta O'Connor (midfield) are in full-time roles at the club, as is backline coach Glenn Strachan, while former GWS assistant Lloyd Perris was also added as head of development this year.
And Buck's people-first, relationship approach is one that extends throughout the club. Naulty is determined to sing the praises of those who flesh out the program. Those like head of operations Tara Bonello, head of high performance Steve Moore, head physio Pip Henderson, rehab co-ordinator/athletic performance coach Liam Heilberg, player development manager Sam Grimwade, psychologist Alyse Wilcox, national recruiter Matthew Burton and analyst Amy Crowden.
"All of our staff are incredibly proud of our players, and I think our players are really proud to be here at the Carlton footy club with the staff and the people that help support them, and it's just working together at the moment," Naulty said.
"But we really hope the story doesn't just stop with this. It's got to keep evolving, the program's got to keep evolving and getting better. The one thing you can't question is their appetite to want to do it, both from the player and the staff.
Yze does it
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Brad Lloyd involved in that review.
new coach came out of it.
Ferguson seems like he is a caring person.. not delivering success.
Another guy got appointed at Ikon . Seems like we have guys coaching.
Wonder if Hampson gets asked.
new coach came out of it.
Ferguson seems like he is a caring person.. not delivering success.
Another guy got appointed at Ikon . Seems like we have guys coaching.
Wonder if Hampson gets asked.
That's one option that may very well come into consideration. There are a couple of good coaches leaving now the season is ending.
Scott Gowans (Swans) and Matthew Clarke (Adelaide) with great CV's
And the fact that Brad Lloyd was at Carlton at the time I agree that with his experience I would be surprised if this was not part of the review finding recommendations for the Board to consider. There is the pay out option as he is contracted to consider in part if considering a process of appointing a successor.
It's a hard one though as Hardwick in 2016 was under pressure and the club successfully navigated our way from near bottom to premiership's as still fresh in the minds of our board. I think this may increase his chances, however there is so much discovery to occur, between now and December before the the report drops, and would be dependant on who is available to take it on, internally or externally are options. Darren Crocker Norths AFLW coach was an internal appointment.
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Sydney Swans part ways with AFLW coach Scott Gowans
Sydney started the season 4-0 but, after a shock final round loss to Essendon, failed to make the finals – and it’s forced coach Scott Gowans into a ‘difficult’ decision.Lachlan McKirdy and Lauren Wood
The Swans have parted ways with AFLW coach Scott Gowans following a disappointing end to the season, where they were unable to claim a finals spot.
Sydney started the year 4-0 on the back of a strong campaign from their young core, but disappointing losses to the likes of Collingwood, GWS and Essendon in the final round ensured they finished just outside of the top eight.
Gowans said the decision to step away was “difficult.”
“Watching our athletes grow and develop has been truly rewarding – they have come such a long way over the past four seasons, and I believe the group is capable of achieving great things,” Gowans said.
“Building our list from scratch and guiding the team to where it is today is something I am incredibly proud of. While the decision to step away has been a difficult one, the time feels right for new leadership to take the team forward.
Gowans was determined to help build the Swans into an AFLW force for the future.
At times, he also had to juggle those responsibilities with his own health battles, overcoming a fight with prostate cancer in 2023 to return to the role.
It comes ahead of what looms as a bumper off-season for potential coach and player movement.
Adelaide coach Matthew Clarke will depart his post at season’s end after two premierships, with the club eyeing candidates with AFL experience.
Richmond coach Ryan Ferguson’s football department is under close scrutiny with a full-scale review underway, while Essendon coach Natalie Wood remains contracted for another season after a disappointing season at The Hangar.
Melbourne coach Mick Stinear is out of contract at the end of the season, with both Hawthorn and Gold Coast also on the hunt for new football bosses.
Premiership coach Paul Groves and former Carlton coach Daniel Harford are two potential candidates who could be canvassed by clubs given their AFLW experience.
Gowans was appointed as the inaugural coach of the Swans’ AFLW side when they came into the competition in 2022.
Following two years in charge at North Melbourne, and many years before that working in women’s football, he was identified as the man to build the Swans from the ground up.
After going winless in their first season, the Swans quickly turned things around and qualified for the finals in 2023. They ended up going on to win their first-ever finals appearance against the Suns before falling to Adelaide a week later.
Gowans also played a pivotal role in the recruitment of Chloe Molloy from Collingwood, with the pair’s relationship and mutual respect helping Sydney land one of the best players in the AFLW.
The Swans’ surprise loss to Essendon last Saturday appears to have been the catalyst for the decision, with the hosts only able to kick one goal in Coffs Harbour with their season on the line.
Buck as Head Coach has 11 support staff, not sure if all full time. 3 line coaches, and then he has another 8 staff at his disposal.
I believe we have that for Ferguson to support him and his line and coaches (5) and then other support staff across medical, strength and conditioning, psych's, analyst and recruiter.
With Carlton they also appointed Ash Naulty as the head of AFLW, another internal appointment from VFL program to oversee a new high performance environment, with the majority of their players all hitting new PB's.
This indicates to me that there must of been gaps or deficiencies that they needed to address that lay in their staffing, and off field program, a focus on their players getting fitter and stronger, a focus on training and recovery. Also they had players aligned to a high performance and mindset program, and run as more of a work environment previously.
High-performance mindset: Naulty on new-look AFLW program
Carlton's Head of AFLW Ash Naulty details the extensive changes that have been made to the program.
Any thoughts on where these critical areas for us as priorities requiring a complete overhaul?
For me it's staffing and recruiting a priority, and also high performance. It seems to me that it's only some individual players that are driving their own standards, obvious on match days there is a disparity between players going flat out and running all day at a high level and putting their bodies on the line, and then others happy to play without pushing themselves, not as fit or as strong, and because of this play with an element of self preservation.
Phar Ace
Brownlow Medallist
I'm really surprised Gowans was let go - stood down. Maybe there is more under the surface than we know, don't under estimate the impact recovering from prostate cancer can have, not just physically, but mentally as well.. He seems an ideal coach though, a bit in the mould of Crocker, with his relationship building mentality.
Ferg too is attempting that similar approach, more now than ever it seems. It is so nuanced though, it sits more naturally with some than others. It still has to be balanced with mutual respect and outcomes. Good coaches get natural buy-in, other coaches get it with varying degrees of clunkiness and it becomes more an imitation of buy-in.
I do wonder what the fabric of the team will be like after Shaun Hampson moves on to North, and what might have been the catalyst, if one exists. As we've seen, it may be the much talked about review is a review in motion, not necessarily waiting for the printed form for actions to take place. I suspect an AFLW Club environment has enormous challenges, some of which are not necessarily at play over at the men's side. For this reason it can be a more delicately moulded environment, where, coming purely from the men's environment, it takes a lot of growth and understanding.
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