MELBOURNE has further strengthened its AFL Women’s Draft position in a three-way trade with North Melbourne and St Kilda.
The deal, which was agreed to on Wednesday, sees an exchange of draft picks between the three clubs, while defender Bianca Jakobsson departs for the Saints.
The Demons acquire the 18th selection in the Victorian Draft order – the 29th pick in the National Draft – with North Melbourne receiving the 22nd National selection.
As well as Jakobsson, St Kilda receive National Pick No.40 in the trade.
Melbourne AFLW list manager Todd Patterson said the outcome benefitted the club’s aims going forward, while thanking Jakobsson for her time at Melbourne.
“The 18th Victorian selection helps us with our overall Trade and Draft strategy, so it’s a great addition,” he told Melbourne Media.
“BJ (Jakobsson) has been a great servant of the club since crossing from Carlton, and we missed her this year as she pursued her work with the Police Academy.
“Not only has she contributed off the field, but she has been a key member of our Melbourne Academy, both from a coaching and administrative level.
“We thank BJ for her services and wish her all the best.”
Jakobsson leaves the Dees after two seasons, having joined the club from Carlton during the 2017 Trade Period.
The 27-year-old played 13 games for Melbourne during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, before sitting out in 2020 due to work commitments. Jakobsson was taken at pick No.3 in the 2016 Draft.
Melbourne has also informed Ainslie Kemp that she will not be offered a contract for the 2021 season.
Kemp departs after four seasons, having joined the club in the inaugural year of the competition.
“Ainslie has been a much-loved team member during her time at Melbourne and has shown great resilience through her struggles with injury,” Patterson said.
“We thank her for her commitment, and we wish her the best for what’s ahead.”
Kemp featured in the opening two rounds of the 2020 season, before sustaining a third ACL injury – the first in her left knee.
She was taken a pick No.88 in the 2016 AFL Women’s drafted and played a total of 10 games for the Demons.
Melbourne has now acquired the 5th, 11th and 18th Victorian Draft selections signing the opening of the Sign and Trade Period on Monday.
