Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to welcome three new players to the club in a mega trade that involves five AFLW clubs.
In one of the largest trades in AFLW history, key forward and inaugural GC SUNS Winter Series captain Jordan Membrey (Collingwood), versatile key position player Clara Fitzpatrick (St Kilda) and young midfielder Ella Maurer (North Melbourne) will call the Gold Coast home for the upcoming AFLW Season Eight.
The SUNS have also bolstered its hand for the upcoming NAB AFLW Draft, gaining Pick 6 as part of the trade.
Foundation players Serene Watson and Ellie Hampson will depart the club, traded to St Kilda and the Brisbane Lions respectively.
Membrey, whose names sits on the SUNS honour board as the club’s inaugural Winter Series captain and best and fairest, returns home to the Gold Coast following 28 games across stints at both Collingwood and Brisbane.
Irish-born key defender Fitzpatrick heads to the Gold Coast following 12 games over two seasons with the Saints during which she won the club’s Coaches’ Award in her first season.
Twenty-one-year-old Maurer, a strong inside midfielder originally drafted out of the Tasmania Devils, joins the SUNS after earning a debut during Season Seven.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming three new faces to our AFLW program, whilst also strengthening our hand for the upcoming AFLW Draft,” GC SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago said.
“Jordan was an integral member of our women’s program in its early days and it’s fantastic to be able to welcome a player not only of her quality, but another Gold Coast local, back into the club,” Sessarago said.
“The qualities that both Clara and Ella bring strengthens our developing squad and we’re looking forward to seeing them contribute to our exciting list.
“We would also like to thank Ellie and Serene, who were both foundation Gold Coast SUNS AFLW players and leadership group members, for their service to the club over our first four AFLW seasons.”
The incoming trio join young mid/forward Maddy Brancatisano as players who have joined the GC SUNS during the AFLW Sign & Trade Period.
The GC SUNS now hold picks 6, 10, 28 and 46 ahead of next month’s NAB AFLW Draft.
