CARLTON'S joint AFLW best-and-fairest winners Breann Moody and Katie Loynes, along with dynamic twins Sarah and Jess Hosking, have recommitted to the Blues for the 2019 AFL Women’s season.
With the AFL’s official trade and sign period concluding on Monday 4 June, the signatures of Moody, Loynes and the Hoskings complete the Club’s AFLW list ahead of this year’s national draft.
Named best first-year player in 2017, Moody arrived at Carlton via pick No. 67 in the inaugural AFL Women’s draft. Her tap-work, along with her impact around the ground, earned the young ruck a Rising Star nomination in Round 5 this year.
Loynes proved to be one of Carlton’s most consistent midfielders in 2018. A tough competitor on the field, she was also recognised for her dedication to the Club’s values, accepting the Blue Bloods Award at this year’s best and fairest.
Constantly topping the stats sheet in 2018, the Hosking twins continued to have an influence on the side both on and off the field. Appointed joint vice-captain this year, Sarah stepped up in Brianna Davey’s absence and grew in her leadership role throughout the season.
Head of Football Andrew McKay said he was pleased to re-sign a further four inaugural AFLW players.
“To retain Breann, Katie, Sarah and Jess is a terrific result for our club. All four are foundation players who continue to invest in our women’s program, so we’re delighted they’ll pull on the navy blue again next year,” McKay said.
“As our joint best-and-fairest winners, Breann and Katie will set a great example for their younger teammates as they continue to develop, while Sarah and Jess also provide leadership as well as their trademark on-field run and dash.”
Throughout the trade and sign period, the Blues retained 20 players, while signing inside midfielder Amelia Barden from Collingwood and securing another early draft pick.
Adding talent while strengthening its position in the draft, McKay said it had been a positive period for the Club.
“We are very happy with what we were able to achieve throughout the trade and sign period. To retain 20 key players helps build consistency and to secure the talents of Amelia Barden, along with an extra second-round draft selection, puts us in a good position heading into October’s draft,” McKay said.
“Over the coming days we will have a look at the free agents available, but our main focus will be on recruiting good young talent via the draft.”
The Blues currently hold selection Nos. 3, 16, 21, 27, 38, 40 and 48 in this year’s NAB AFL Women’s National Draft.
Carlton would also like to thank Katie Jayne-Grieve and Tiahna Cochrane for their services to the Club, having been informed on Monday evening they would not receive a new contract for 2019.
CARLTON'S CURRENT AFLW PLAYING LIST:
Shae Audley
Amelia Barden
Lauren Brazzale
Brianna Davey
Alison Downie
Georgia Gee
Kerryn Harrington
Tayla Harris
Reni Hicks
Jess Hosking
Sarah Hosking
Bridie Kennedy
Sophie Li
Katie Loynes
Tilly Lucas-Rodd
Breann Moody
Natalie Plane
Gab Pound
Nicola Stevens
Darcy Vescio
Courtney Webb (elevated to primary list)
In: Amelia Barden
Out: Kate Gillespie-Jones (North Melbourne), Danielle Hardiman (North Melbourne), Maddison Gay (Melbourne), Lauren Arnell (Brisbane), Laura Attard (delisted), Madeline Keryk (delisted), Sarah Last (delisted), Kate Shierlaw (delisted), Katie Jayne-Grieve (delisted), Tiahna Cochrane (delisted)
