TWO pick swaps and the announcement of an AFLW Preseason Draft were the key orders of business yesterday in what was a slower start to the expedited trade period compared to the men’s competition. Futures picks were involved in both trades, confirming that clubs were able to be more flexible with their post-season movements.

Giant gain in 2026 as GWS secures Crows’ first rounder

GWS gains: 2026 first-rounder (Adelaide)
Adelaide gains: Pick 21 and Pick 39

GWS Giants will head into the 2026 AFLW Draft with a second first rounder after trading in Adelaide’s selection in exchange for a second and third round pick in this year’s AFLW Draft. It was a huge get for the Giants who have a number of talented Academy prospects in 2026 including the likes of Majella Day, Zoe Curry, Morgan Stevens and Darcie Prosser-Shaw with the first of those names a potential top 10 talent, and the others projected as potential top 30 players.

From Adelaide’s perspective, it gives the Crows more wriggle room in this year’s draft, with the local talent most likely to appear through the second round, but also give some bargaining chips to move up the board with the likes of Zoe Prowse and Kiera Mueller a couple of names rumoured to be departing, the former having officially nominated Essendon.

Bombers load up with first rounder as Saints stockpile seconds

Essendon gains: Pick 13 and Pick 49
St Kilda gains: Pick 24, Pick 42 and a 2026 second-rounder (Essendon)

Essendon has secured another first rounder in this year’s AFLW Draft by trading in St Kilda’s Pick 13. The Bombers also received Pick 49 in the deal, sending 24 and 42 back to the Saints, but critically a 2026 seconds rounder as well. If the Bombers land in the same spot as this season, that would equate to Pick 23.

Next year’s draft is a stronger cohort with plenty of depth through the top 30 selections. It gives St Kilda another player in that range, and also secures an upgrade in this year’s draft with the seven-pick move in the third round. For the Bombers, it allows them to have bargaining chips for Prowse and Gold Coast’s Claudia Whitfort as they look to immediately address issues.

AFL announces AFLW Pre-season Draft in 2026

In a landmark announcement by the AFL yesterday, AFL Women’s teams will have the opportunity to partake in a preseason draft next Autumn to give those undrafted players a couple of months to impress through the state league competitions.

In the past, players that are overlooked in December’s draft will typically train with an AFLW club in the hope of being picked up at some point throughout the next six months as part of a supplementary period. While the positive of the current system means those in favour with clubs can put themselves in the box seat with strong training performances, the new system opens the door for others to bolt up draft boards and get a chance.

The drafted players will replace open slots – be it through inactive or injured players or teams passing in December’s draft – and the order will be in reverse ladder order from this season with Gold Coast having pick one if the Suns have a list spot available. In order to be eligible to be selected in the preseason draft, prospects must have nominated for next month’s draft.

Clubs can still sign injury replacement players post-draft, but the preseason event allows recruiters and talent staff to gain significant form data on players through their respective state league competitions.