THREE deals were completed on Sunday as Gold Coast Suns geared up to match bids on their top-end Academy talents. Not only did the Suns move back from Pick 1 to Pick 14, but also gained one of the league’s best midfielders to give the club an immediate boost for next season.

>> AFLW TRADE: Day 1 wrap | Day 2 wrap

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

Suns welcome gun mid, trade out duo and complete pick swaps

Adelaide gains: Pick 4, Pick 38 and 2026 first-rounder (Gold Coast)
Adelaide loses: Anne Hatchard, Pick 14, Pick 21, Pick 32

Carlton gains: Lauren Bella and Claudia Whitfort
Carlton loses: Pick 19 and 2026 second-rounder (North Melbourne)

Richmond gains: Pick 1, Pick 56 and 2026 third-rounder (Gold Coast)
Richmond loses: Pick 4 and Pick 22

Gold Coast gains: Anne Hatchard, Pick 14, Pick 19, Pick 21, Pick 22, Pick 32 and 2026 second-rounder (North Melbourne)
Gold Coast loses: Lauren Bella, Claudia Whitfort, Pick 1, Pick 38, Pick 56, 2026 first-rounder and 2026 third-rounder (Gold Coast)

The biggest name of the AFLW Trade Period landed with Crows superstar Hatchard heading to Queensland after three flags and a remarkable 102 games with the Crows. She will add immediate relief to the Suns, replacing the outgoing Whitfort who will get her chance adding to Carlton’s midfield, while releasing ruck Bella – who was limited for opportunities at times in 2025 – to the Blues opened up another list spot for the Suns.

Gold Coast now holds Picks 14, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 32, which means even if bids come for their top four talents in Ava Usher, Georja Davies, Sunny Lappin and Dekota Baron in the first four selections, the Suns will be able to match. For good measure the Suns have that fifth selection inside the top 22 which they can use to trade back, or just match, with that and Pick 32 able to secure Mikayla Nurse and Alannah Welsh in whichever order.

It is very likely the Suns will use 22 to trade back given they do not have another pick in the first four rounds after 32, and it is tipped at the very least a bid for Bronte Parker will come, and quite possibly Rhianna Ingram. The remaining two Suns Academy members – Aleah Stringer and Annabelle Foat – are also likely to be picked up later on by the Gold Coast thanks to the additional list spots handed to the club as part of the AFLW Special Assistance package.

While the Hatchard deal – which places Adelaide in a great spot from a draft perspective – took the headlines, Richmond also moved up to Pick 1 where the Tigers are tipped to select Vic Metro MVP and Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Chloe Bown. It does mean as it stands that Richmond’s second selection is now at 40.

The Crows have moved up to Pick 4, while also having selections back-to-back in Round 3 at 38 and 39. While the first selection will be from outside South Australia, gaining the Suns’ first selection next year – which should be at the pointy end of the draft, will almost certainly net them a star local talent such as Emma Charlton or Taya Maxwell.

Carlton of course are in win-now mode and adding the likes of Whitfort and Bella only strengthens the Blues’ chances of challenging for a flag in 2026, having fallen a win short of the grand final this year.