The AFL’s annual trade period is now over and we are pleased to emerge from it with one of our strongest National Draft hands in a number of years.

We now hold three first round selections, and as any good footy judge knows, you can never have too much high-end talent.

Over the last two years we have added elite talent in Jordan Dawson and Izak Rankine via the trade period and while it would be nice to bring in players of that calibre annually, it is much easier said than done. The types of players you want and need are not always available either. We made a strong play for Harrison Petty however, the fact he still has two years to run on his contract with the Demons was always going to make things difficult. 

Our strategy focuses on being very specific and only targeting players who address needs and fit our overall list profile, rather than just bringing in recruits for the sake of trading. As a Club, we have stayed true to a clear and well thought out strategy in the last few years and now is not the time to be deviating.

In the AFLW, we always have high expectations for our team and time and time again the players, coaches and staff deliver. As the only undefeated team in the competition and with key players in good form, we could not be better placed.

There’s obviously a lot more to play out and based on ladder positions, our next two games against Brisbane and North Melbourne will not only be very challenging but they have the potential to significantly shape our finals path.

We definitely have enough talent and it’s underpinned by grit and resilience, which was on show in the recent road win over reigning premier Melbourne. Given the way that game unfolded, it was arguably the greatest home and away win in our AFLW history.

I’d also like to congratulate all the award winners from this month’s Club Champion presentation and in particular Jordan Dawson, who claimed his first Malcolm Blight Medal. He has made a significant impact on the field over the past two seasons and he continues to show great leadership in and around the Club too. Jordan and the rest of the guys are currently on leave however, it is not unusual to walk past the gym at West Lakes and see a dozen or more of them working out together. The willingness to hold each other to account has been one of this playing group’s strengths over the past couple of off-seasons.

Nominations are now open for our Member Engagement Panel which is an important way in which you can help shape the Club’s immediate future.

We are looking to fill the 10-person panel with a wide representation of our membership base who can provide insights and feedback directly to the Board and Executive Management.

Starting from today, you have just over two weeks to nominate for the panel and for more information or to submit your application CLICK HERE.

I encourage you to consider nominating and as always, thanks for your ongoing support.

Regards, Tim