With the no.2 draft pick in their pocket, Fremantle are poised to make a splash in the AFLW trade period according to senior coach Michelle Cowan.
The 2017 trade period runs from May 15 to 26 and Cowan said Freo would be targeting some of the league’s most talented players.
Trades can include draft picks from the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft and involve multiple players and clubs.
“We’ll be making sure we build our list between now and the draft in October,” Cowan said.
“We’re really focused on WA talent and there is a lot of talent that has gone elsewhere.
“The marquee level and second tier players are certainly in demand across all of the AFL clubs.
“They’re exceptional players and I have no doubt that all clubs will be having conversations with these players.”
As the lone Western Australian club, Fremantle will have exclusive access to players that nominate only for the WA Draft.
With four Victorian clubs competing in the Victorian based draft, Fremantle’s picks of 2, 10, 18 and 26 will be of significant value to Melbourne, Carlton, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.
“It’s something that leans in our in favour as our early picks are really important to the Melbourne based clubs,” Cowan said.
“We could potentially use them in a deal moving forward.
“(The draft order) doesn’t rellay affect us when selecting the girls that nominate for WA.
“As we are the only WA based club, we’ve got sole access to them and the talent coming through the state is exciting.
“The under 18 championships take place in the coming months and we’ll be watching with great anticipation with our list management team.”
With Fremantle settled into their new facility at Cockburn Central, Cowan says the club will have additional bargaining power when negotiating with players looking to move home.
“We’ve got the best facility in the country and I think that it’s exciting for our girls. It’s exciting for anyone who would want to come and play for Fremantle,” Cowan said.
“We’ve got an incredible environment and a fantastic club – the integration at the football club has been amazing for the girls and we know that we’re building some special at Fremantle.”
