Trade talks intensify for AFLW stars, Fox Sports reports
Heading into the final round of the AFLW season, trade talks are intensifying across the competition as marquee players prepare to move clubs, according to Fox Sports.
Zippy Fish Expected to Nominate Fremantle
Sydney remains hopeful of retaining Zippy Fish, but rival clubs expect the young star half-back to nominate Fremantle for next season, Fox Sports reported. Fish, who won the Rising Star award and earned All-Australian honors in 2025, has wrestled with her decision throughout the 2026 season and is expected to wait until Sydney’s campaign concludes before finalizing her choice. Rival clubs surveyed by Fox Sports indicated they anticipate the young player will request a trade, with sources noting they would be surprised if she was not wearing purple next year.
A potential departure would allow Sydney to adjust its draft strategy as rival clubs circle. The Swans currently hold no first-round pick after trading that selection to Brisbane last year in exchange for Taylor Smith. Sydney holds five academy players ranked within the top 25 prospects for this year’s draft, including Charlotte Tidemann, Frankie Walsh, Ash Barlow, Aurelia Russell, and Evie Bowie. Fremantle currently holds Pick 9, which could be packaged with a future first-rounder to facilitate a trade for Fish.
Port Adelaide Faces Salary Cap Squeeze Amid Rival Interest
Port Adelaide has secured several key players on long-term contracts, including Matilda Scholz through 2030, Ella Heads through 2030, Teagan Germech through 2030, Ash Woodland through 2029, and Shineah Goody through 2029, Fox Sports reported. However, this retention drive has created a salary cap squeeze for the Power ahead of the trade period.
Uncontracted key forward Lauren Young is weighing strong rival interest. Adelaide has emerged as a suitor for Young, while Victorian clubs including Essendon are also circling the 178cm forward. Young signed with Port in November 2023 during the expansion pre-signing period, though an ACL rupture in March 2024 delayed her debut until Round 6 of the 2025 season. She has kicked seven goals in 10 matches during 2026.
Port teammate Jas Sowden is tipped to join Essendon, while midfielder Piper Window has attracted interest from the Giants and Melbourne despite being contracted until the end of 2027. Key forward Julia Teakle is also drawing interest from multiple clubs. Meanwhile, Port has expressed interest in uncontracted Brisbane ruck Eleanor Hartill to provide support for Scholz.
Ruby Schleicher Departs Collingwood as Trade Period Looms
Collingwood captain Ruby Schleicher informed teammates on Tuesday of her decision to leave the club at the end of the season and return home to Western Australia, Fox Sports reported. West Coast is positioned to land Schleicher on a long-term deal, utilizing its first selection, Pick 6, in the transaction.
Defender Tarni White is uncontracted and emerging as a prime target for rival clubs, with the Western Bulldogs considered front-runners for her signature. Vice-captain Jordyn Allen is expected to explore a trade after attempting to move to Brisbane last year.
Brisbane Retains Key Personnel Amid List Management Decisions
Dual premiership wing player Jade Ellenger has declined an offer from the Giants and is closing in on a new long-term contract with Brisbane, Fox Sports reported. Coach Craig Starcevich is expected to extend his tenure until at least the end of 2028, and midfielder Ally Anderson has agreed to terms on a short-term deal that will extend her career into a 12th season with the Lions.
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