Five key moments of the AFLW Trade Period

The AFLW Trade Period has officially closed, with a frantic final day seeing 13 trades sneak in before the deadline. The period held witness to some massive switch-ups across the league, giving new shape to the potential of the 2026 NAB AFLW season, and an excitement for the upcoming draft.

In case you missed it, here are five of the biggest moments across the trade period, jam-packed full of shock and intrigue, and leaving in its wake, heart-sore fans.

NO.1 DRAFT PICK LEFT IN THE LURCH

20-year-old Western Bulldog Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner, has been left in the lurch after elongated negotiations between the Dogs and North Melbourne, after a nomination to join the dual Premiers in this trade period.

Weston-Turner was drafted by the Bulldogs at Pick 1 in 2023 and went on to debut in Round 1 of the NAB AFLW 2024 season.

In an ultimately unsuccessful move across to Arden Street, Weston-Turner will now be forced to re-enter draftee status, taking her spot in next Monday’s national draft in hopes to make the Roos her home.

North Melbourne’s first opportunity to snatch up the young gun will be at Pick 37, with room to move possible as the draft plays out.

Will Weston-Turner find her spot in the Roos squad in 2026?

ZANKER ON THE MOVE

Melbourne Demon and Premiership winner Eden Zanker has officially said farewell to her teammates, after solidifying her commitment to new team Fremantle.

An original foundation of the Demon Army, Zanker debuted in 2018 after being selected at Pick 6, becoming an integral part of the team during its infancy.

Dominating the field to be selected as All-Australian and AFLW Leading Goalkicker in 2023, alongside prominent features in the AFLW 22-Under-22 sides in both 2020 and 2021 – Zanker has become a leading player in the league.

The Dockers' side will be bolstered by the new addition, with Zanker’s offensive prowess and 86 games of experience potentially edging them towards finals contention for 2026.

VETERAN CROW TAKES FLIGHT

Triple Premiership Crow Anne Hatchard, has made a shock move across to the Gold Coast Suns, as the founding member of the Adelaide club decided to make a change after 10 seasons.

The four-time All Australian, three-time Club Best and Fairest winner and Season 6 Grand final Best on Ground Medallist, will be a huge loss to the Crows.

Hatchard will reunite with Premiership teammate Erin Phillips, who was recently assigned as the Suns’ General Manager of Women’s Football.

The 2025 bottom of the ladder dwellers will be delighted with their new addition, with Hatchard’s ferocity and expertise adding crucial skill to the Crows list.

In exchange for the trade, the Crows were handed Pick 4 selection in next Monday night’s draft.

WHO GETS NO.1?

Ahead of the Sun’s squad building, they have disposed of their claim on the Number 1 Pick for the 2025 AFLW Draft, handballing it off to Richmond.

The Tigers, who finished in the bottom three in the 2025 season, leapt at the opportunity to snatch the freshest and brightest spark to enter the AFLW next Monday night, officially rounding out the trade period ready to take their pick from the cream of the crop.

With several clubs clamouring for first overall selection, the Tigers will take advantage of the trade outcome to hopefully land an exciting and advantageous addition to Punt Road, after parting ways with coach Ryan Ferguson.

Richmond will also welcome former Docker Dana East to the club.

INAUGURAL CAPTAIN SAYS GOODBYE

Hawthorn has farewelled their inaugural captain Tilly Lucas-Rodd in a deadline day deal, as the athlete departs to join the GWS Giants.

Lucas-Rodd has 90 games under their belt, with the 29-year-old making her debut in 2017. Making the All-Australian Squad in 2024, Lucas Rodd will bring pivotal leadership and experience to the Giants’ backline.

Rounding out their 2025 AFLW season to sit amongst the bottom of the ladder, Lucas Rodd is sure to be hugely advantageous for GWS.