COLLINGWOOD and Carlton have handed a couple of state league young guns with second chances at AFL Women’s level when they announced injury replacement players today. The Magpies picked up ex-Cat Carly Remmos who has spent the season with their VFL Women’s program, while the Blues scooped up ex-Power utility Jade Halfpenny after a strong SANFLW season.

Remmos replaced forward Nell Morris-Dalton on the senior list after the contested marking talent was ruled out of the 2024 AFLW season after suffering a lumbar stress fracture in her back. Morris-Dalton crossed from the Bulldogs in the previous off-season, kicking eight goals from 10 games in 2023.

“This is tough news for Nell, who’s shown tremendous growth to date and had put a huge body of work together over the off season,” Collingwood General Manager of Women’s Football Jess Burger said. 

“Whilst the initial disappointment is still very real, Nell is committed to playing an off-field role within the team demonstrating her true strength as a Collingwood AFLW person.

“Our program will wrap our arms around Nell during this time. Our medical, coaching staff, and players will all play a role in supporting her through her recovery.”

Coach Sam Wright announced in a team meeting today that Remmos would be Morris-Dalton’s replacement after a strong VFLW season where she finished second in the best and fairest.

“With injury comes opportunity, and we are delighted to elevate Carly to our senior list,” Burger said. 

“Since coming out of the AFLW system, Carly has shown an enormous hunger to find her way back onto an AFLW list. Her determination, work rate and ability to invest in her own growth as both a person and player has continued to impress us.” 

Incredibly Remmos only played seven matches in the 2023 VFLW season, averaging 19.6 disposals, 3.4 marks, 6.4 tackles and kicking 2.4. That included a standout 30-disposal haul against Darebin in Round 5, and another 23-disposal haul on her Magpies debut back in Round 1.

Carlton had to find a replacement for Erone Fitzpatrick who was placed on the inactive list last week, and sought out the versatile Halfpenny who bounced back from the disappointment of being delisted by Port Adelaide at the end of last season to perform strongly throughout the 2024 SANFLW season for the Redlegs.

Voted one of the best on SANFLW Grand Final day in a losing side, Halfpenny was also named in the 2024 SANFLW Team of the Year. She will be looking to add to her six games across two seasons at the Power, having funnily enough made her debut back in 2022 against the Blues.

At SANFLW level, Halfpenny averaged 16.6 disposals, 3.6 marks, 3.7 tackles, 3.5 clearances and 2.5 inside 50s, rotating between midfield and attack. A strong overhead mark and reliable by foot, Halfpenny will provide an immediate option for the Blues.

Carlton’s Head of AFLW Ash Naulty said Halfpenny is a talented athlete with a strong work ethic.

“Jade has shown high-level football skills and determination throughout the SANFLW season, and we believe the attributes she brings will complement the team,” Naulty said.  

“Already with experience at AFLW level, she brings a high football IQ and understanding of the professional standards, which is something we hold highly at Carlton.

“We are excited to welcome her down to IKON Park and can’t wait to see what she can produce this season in the Navy Blue.”