Past Lauren Arnell (2018-2021)

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Lauren Arnell signs on for AFLW 3.0

The Brisbane Lions AFLW side will be bolstered by the leadership and experience of Carlton’s inaugural captain Lauren Arnell, after the midfielder signed with the Club for the 2019 season today.

Arnell comes to the Club after the Lions traded Nicole Hildebrand to Collingwood for pick 40 at the forthcoming AFLW Draft. They then exchanged pick 40 to Carlton for Arnell.

The 31-year-old was at the forefront of the inaugural women’s league and helped Carlton place their bid for a women’s team licence. Before AFLW, she won eight VFLW premierships with the Darebin Falcons and has been named as an All Australian three times.

In 2017 Arnell played all seven games for Carlton and this year played four matches.

She balances her football career while working as an Education and Training Manager at AFL Victoria and is a member of the AFLPA Women’s Advisory Committee.

Brisbane Lions Women’s CEO Breanna Brock is thrilled a woman with such a distinguished resume is joining the Lions. “Lauren will provide great mentoring for our young group and new players coming on to the list,” Brock said. “She’s an outstanding person and has done so much for the women’s game. We look forward to working with such an experienced campaigner and can’t wait to see her pull on the Lions colours.”

Arnell is expected to visit the Lions' training facilities this week and meet the rest of the playing group.

 

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Blues send former skipper north

FORMER Carlton skipper Lauren Arnell is heading to Brisbane, while Lion Nicole Hildebrand has been sent to Collingwood in a three-way trade to kick off the AFL Womens’ trade period.

The Blues’ inaugural AFL Women’s captain has signed with Brisbane after two years and 11 games at Ikon Park.

The 31-year-old will become a Lion as part of a three-way trade that saw Brisbane trade Nicole Hildebrand to Collingwood for pick 40 at the upcoming AFLW draft, with that pick then passed on to Carlton for Arnell. “Lauren will provide great mentoring for our young group and new players coming on to the list,” Lions women’s chief executive Breanna Brock said.

“She’s an outstanding person and has done so much for the women’s game. We look forward to working with such an experienced campaigner and can’t wait to see her pull on the Lions colours.” Arnell - who led Carlton in its first AFLW campaign before relinquishing the captaincy to Bri Davey and represents the Blues in the VFLW - has eight VFLW premierships at Darebin to her name and three All-Australian nods.

Carlton football boss Andrew McKay said the trade was a result of Arnell seeking more opportunity on field. “We are tremendously grateful to Lauren. She played an instrumental role in establishing our women’s football program and will always be acknowledged as an integral contributor to the Carlton Football Club,” he said

“With an eye on the future, Lauren was looking for more opportunity in an on-field capacity, so we fully supported her decision to pursue the opportunity up north and believe this deal is a win for all involved. “We wish her well for the coming season as she continues her career at the Lions.”

 

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