MELBOURNE has added further experience to its list, signing ruck Rhiannon Watt on Thursday afternoon.
The Demons welcomed the key tall, who was a foundation co-captain for St Kilda, following the opening of the AFLW Delisted Free Agency period.
Despite suffering an ACL injury earlier this year, which is expected to rule her out of the upcoming season, Watt will bring a wealth of off-field leadership and experience to the club.
At 184cm tall, Watt is among rare company, with Melbourne AFLW list manager Todd Patterson acknowledging the impact she can have on the group.
“Opportunities to add players and people of Rhi’s calibre are few and far between, so we are really excited to have her join the club,” he said.
“She is an experienced sportswoman, who also has an impressive corporate background, which will be invaluable to our group and our leaders.
“Whilst we are in a fortunate position with our current tall stocks, to be able to add depth to that moving forward is an important move for us, given the general lack of availability of these types of players.”
It will also be an opportunity for Watt to assimilate into the Dees’ group while working through her rehab, with the aim of being available for Season 8 of the competition.
“Clearly Rhi has a substantial injury so we will further assess that as training starts next week and decide on a clear path forward,” Patterson said.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Rhi into the club and progressing from there.”
Watt arrives with 24 senior games to her name, having played the bulk for the Saints across the past three years.
The well-respected player and leader co-captained St Kilda in 2020 and 2021 before being named vice-captain for this past season.
She represented Australia in volleyball before making the switch to footy, first being drafted by Carlton through the 2018 NAB AFL Women’s Draft, where she played two matches.
Watt adds to a successful player movement period for the Dees, who also welcomed Jordan Ivey and Charlotte Wilson to the club.
