A contracted Saint. An Irish talent. A couple of delisted free agents from Port Adelaide.
Geelong has confirmed four signings ahead of the final day of the AFLW Trade Period.
The Cats have done a deal with the Saints for experienced defender Nicola Stevens, strengthened the link with the Emerald Isle by signing Gaelic footballer Emma Murray, and thrown a lifeline to former Power duo Jasmin Stewart and Alissa Brook.
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Stevens, who had a year remaining on her contract at Moorabbin, arrives at GMHBA Stadium along with a future third-round pick, with the Saints receiving a future second-round selection in return.
The 32-year-old instantly becomes Geelong’s most experienced player, in terms of games played, having made 92 appearances across stints at St Kilda (43 games), Carlton (42) and Collingwood (7).
Stevens was the Magpies’ inaugural best-and-fairest in 2017 and earned All-Australian selection the same year.
Murray joins Geelong as an Other Sport Rookie, who is described as a talented half-back/winger.
The 27-year-old, who was part of Waterford’s All-Ireland Championship win over Donegal last year, captained her county this year and claimed the Ladies’ Football All-Star award.
Joining Rachel Kearns, Aishling Moloney and Kate Kenny, she brings to four the number of Irish players at Geelong.
“Emma has displayed the traits of a player who we think can develop into a very athletic half-back and wing prospect; she has impressive running capability and is known back home for her great composure and decision-making,” AFLW recruiting boss Ben Waller said.
Geelong is the third AFLW stop for Stewart, having also played with Fremantle.
At the Dockers, the 27-year-old played 22 games before retiring and returning to the WAFLW competition.
Stewart joined Port Adelaide in the Supplementary Draft and made 20 appearances for the Power.
Brook spent two seasons at Alberton after being drafted in 2023 with pick 25 from SANFL club South Adelaide.
The 20-year-old defender managed ten appearances, including seven this year.
With Chantel Emonson set to return from a year off after giving birth to her first child, Geelong will take three selections to next Monday’s AFLW Draft, currently picks 7, 25, 43.
X: @krockfootball
