The Western Bulldogs are one of 11 clubs to take part in a final-hour AFLW Trade Deadline Day deal, welcoming three new players and a host of first-round draft picks.
As part of the arrangement, the Bulldogs have gained Gold Coast Suns duo Lauren Ahrens and Jasmyn Smith, and Brisbane forward Analea McKee, along with picks 4, 6, 11 and 51 in next Monday’s AFLW Draft.
The Club is now armed with four of the first 11 picks, including the coveted number one selection.
Premiership player and foundation Bulldog Kirsty Lamb will move to Port Adelaide for personal and lifestyle reasons, while Katie Lynch and Gabby Newton will depart for Gold Coast and Fremantle respectively.
Full details of the Bulldogs’ involvement can be seen below.
Ahrens is a consistent and disciplined defender with 47 AFLW games under her belt.
Pre-listed by the Suns ahead of their entry into the league, she enjoyed a breakout 2021 campaign, named in the AFLW All Australian squad and claiming her maiden Club Champion award.
Smith was drafted with Pick 52 in 2022 as a Suns Academy player, and has played five games since her debut in the opening round of season seven.
A pressuring high half-forward who can also roll through the midfield or onto a wing, her elite endurance and athleticism are key features of her game.
McKee was signed by Brisbane late in the 2023 off-season from Geelong’s VFLW program as an injury replacement player.
She made her AFLW debut in the opening round of the 2023 campaign and played a further five games across the season.
At 180cm tall, McKee is a strong marking target up forward and also has the ability to pinch-hit in the ruck or push into defence if needed.
The Bulldogs hold picks 1, 4, 6, 11, and 51 in Monday's AFLW Draft.
Lauren Ahrens – player profile
DOB: 19/08/1991
Height: 182cm
AFLW games: 47 (Gold Coast)
Draft: Pre-listed by Gold Coast in 2019
Position: Defender
Jasmyn Smith – player profile
DOB: 10/05/2004
Height: 158cm
AFLW games: 5 (Gold Coast)
Draft: Pick 52, 2022
Position: Forward/midfielder
Analea McKee – player profile
DOB: 07/06/2003
Height: 180cm
AFLW games: 6 (Brisbane)
Draft: N/A (Injury replacement signing)
Position: Key forward
