The AFL has finalised key dates around this year’s AFL Women’s player signing period.
Geelong and North Melbourne will join the AFLW competition next year and from Friday, May 11, until Monday, May 21, the two expansion teams will have the ability to sign players to their list.
The expansion clubs are permitted to approach players, with the players’ 2018 clubs having the right to make a counter offer, and only four players from any one club can transfer to Geelong or North Melbourne, unless agreed by the clubs and the AFL.
Former Western Bulldogs midfielder Emma Kearney has already signed with North Melbourne for the 2019 season.
The expansion clubs will continue their list development during the NAB AFLW Trade Period and the NAB AFL National Draft.
The 2018 NAB AFLW draft order will be set on Tuesday, May 22. The sign and trade period will commence the following day on Wednesday, May 23, and close on Monday, June 4, and clubs will make their preliminary list lodgement on June 8.
In other changes, AFLW player payment structure for 2019 will be expanded to four tiers.
Clubs will have flexibility with regards to the number of players in each tier, but clubs will be permitted to a maximum of three players in tier one.
Head of Women’s Football Nicole Livingstone said the expansion signing period is ready to commence now the 2019 tiered payment structure has been approved by the AFL Players’ Association.
“This is another exciting step for our competition. We have worked closely with the AFLPA to ensure we have a payment structure that is appropriate at this stage of the competition,” Livingstone said.
“Welcoming more players into the competition has allowed us to expand the payment structure. This will also give the clubs more flexibility with their list management.
“Further discussion between the AFL and the AFLPA will determine actual player payments. This will take place once the 2019 program and associated revenue is confirmed.”
KEY AFLW DATES
May 11-21: Expansion signing period commences / closes
May 22: 2018 NAB AFLW Draft order set
May 23 – June 4: Sign & Trade period commences / closes
June 4 – 7: Free agency period commences / closes
June 8: Preliminary List Lodgement
