The Western Bulldogs have welcomed Vaomua Laloifi and Ellie Gavalas back to the Kennel after completing a three-club trade with Carlton and North Melbourne.

As part of the arrangement, Celine Moody will head to Carlton in exchange for Laloifi, while the Kangaroos have inherited Carlton’s Pick 25 for Gavalas becoming a Bulldog.

Both Laloifi and Gavalas are no strangers to the red, white and blue, having been drafted from the Bulldogs’ VFLW program in 2019.

They both played in the 2019 VFLW Grand Final defeat, and will now be reunited as teammates nearly five years later.

Laloifi, 30, is an experienced rebounding defender with X-factor, who can impact one-on-one.

She has played 45 games since debuting in round one 2020, and was awarded Carlton’s peer-voted Most Valuable Player in season seven.

Gavalas, 27, arrives as a versatile forward/midfielder who is composed, classy and impactful.

She was crowned the Bulldogs’ VFLW Club Champion prior to being drafted with the Roos’ Pick 10 in 2019, and has managed 41 games for 13 goals to date.

“We identified both Mua and Ellie not just because of what they can bring on field, but because they both have strong leadership qualities and high standards towards their application to training and performance,” said Bulldogs’ AFLW Head of List Management and Recruiting, Mick Sandry.

“Mua is a consistent and reliable defender capable of playing different roles – she’s a strong competitor and will add experience to our backline.

“Ellie is a strong midfielder who is great in the contest and will add more maturity to our midfield group. We still feel Ellie has growth in her football too, and are looking forward to seeing her impact on and off the field.

“It’s great to have both players back at the Bulldogs and are excited to see what they can do in the red, white and blue for years to come.”

Moody departs with 42 games across six seasons, after being signed as a rookie in 2018.

“On behalf of the Club, we thank Celine for her contribution to the Western Bulldogs and wish her the best for the remainder of her career,” Sandry said.

Laloifi and Gavalas join Zimmie Farquharson as incoming players for the 2024 AFLW season.

Mua Laloifi – player profile

DOB: 24/07/1993
Height: 173cm
AFLW games: 45 (Carlton)
Draft: Pick 52, 2019 Draft
Position: Defender

Ellie Gavalas – player profile

DOB: 25/03/1996
Height: 158cm
AFLW games: 41 (North Melbourne)
Draft: Pick 10, 2019 Draft
Position: Midfielder/forward