Adelaide has strengthened its squad on the final day of the AFLW Sign and Trade Period, securing a trade for West Coast pair Niamh Kelly and Amber Ward.
Kelly and Ward join the Crows’ nest in exchange for Pick No.43 and 2017 Premiership player Jessica Sedunary.
Sedunary was on Adelaide’s inactive list last season to pursue an opportunity with Australian cycling, and will now continue her career as an Eagle.
Kelly, 26, is a quick and courageous winger who has played 26 AFLW games.
From Ireland, Kelly is also an accomplished Gaelic player who captained County Mayo’s representative team in 2019 and led the county to an All-Ireland final, before the Eagles selected her as an international rookie.
Crows Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said Kelly would be an asset to the Club.
“Niamh is a quality player who will bring real speed and aggression to our team,” Harper said.
“She can play on a wing, but also has the capacity to play across half-back or half-forward.
“Better still, Niamh is a fantastic person and we are delighted she has chosen to play for our Club after we first approached her back at the end of 2019 before she decided to go to West Coast.”
Ward, 20, will live out her childhood dream of playing for the Club she grew up supporting.
A 175cm defender from North Adelaide, Ward signed with West Coast as a Free Agent ahead of the 2021 AFLW Season.
She featured in 14 games across two seasons, showing maturity beyond her experience and holding down a key position in the Eagles’ defence.
Harper said Ward was a welcome addition to the squad and would help add key-position depth.
“We’re thrilled that Amber can come back home and play for the Club she has barracked for her whole life,” Harper said.
“Amber was part of our train-on program a few years ago and we kept a keen eye on her progress, with the hope she might want to return home and pull on the Crows colours one day.
“She is a versatile defender who reads the play well and has a lovely kick.
“Amber has played some good footy at West Coast and we believe that we can continue her development as a key part of our core young emerging playing group.
“Approaching expansion, we were keen to explore opportunities to add ready-made players to our group, if possible, and Niamh and Amber are a great fit for us.”
Sedunary leaves Adelaide after 17 games for the Crows, as well as four games for St Kilda in 2020.
Adelaide has also farewelled 2022 Premiership player Nikki Gore on the final day of the Sign and Trade Period.
Gore, who has played 21 AFLW games for Adelaide, indicated her desire to be traded to Fremantle in May.
Adelaide secured a deal with the Dockers to receive Picks No.40 and 75 in exchange for Gore and Pick No.60.
