EXPEDITED AFL Women’s Sign, Trade and Draft period dates have been confirmed, with just 15 days between the AFLW Grand Final and the 2023 AFLW Draft. In the space of that time, clubs will re-sign, sign, trade, delist and then draft to ensure their Season 9 lists are ready to go eight months before the first bounce.
The decision to have the entire period prior to Christmas will provide clarity to both clubs and players alike, knowing what their next footballing move will be. Though the actual AFL Women’s preseason will not start for some time, those draftees will have more certainty about their futures.
What are some of the new features?
Players can sign a 12-month minimum contract but for the first time, there will be no cap on maximum terms. It means clubs could sign players to long-term deals in line with the male contracts.
Players can nominate either their home state, or nationally, with the latter allowing all 18 clubs to consider them for selection. Each player who is required to relocate through the draft will be eligible for expanded relocation benefits as included in the recent CBA.
The 2023 AFLW Draft will take place at Marvel Stadium, with a number of Under 18s draft hopefuls heading to the event.
AFLW SIGN, TRADE AND DRAFT DATES
Monday, November 13 2023
- AFLW Draft Nominations Open
- Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period Open
Friday, November 17 2023
- Expansion U18 Talent Pathway Pre-Signing Period Close
Monday, November 27 2023
- 2023 W Awards
Friday, December 1 2023
- AFLW Draft Nominations Close
Sunday, December 3 2023
- 2023 NAB AFLW Grand Final
Thursday, December 7 2023
- Trade Period Opens
- Restricted Free Agency Period Opens
- Delisted Free Agency Period (1) Opens
Wednesday, December 13 2023
- Delisted Free Agency Period (1) Closes
Thursday, December 14 2023
- Trade Period Closes (2pm AEDT)
- Restricted Free Agency Period Closes
Friday, December 15 2023
- Delisted Free Agency Period (2) Open
Saturday, December 16 2023
- Delisted Free Agency Period (2) Closes
Sunday, December 17 2023
- AFLW Draft Order confirmed
Monday, December 18 2023
- 2023 AFLW Draft
Monday, February 5 2024
- Supplemental Selection Period Open
- Rookie Signing Period Open
Friday, March 1 2024
- Supplemental Selection Period Closes
- Rookie Signing Period Closes
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