Fremantle’s preparations for the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s season will begin this August, with the AFL announcing a date for the commencement for the sign and trade period.
The 3 August date means senior coach Trent Cooper and his fellow AFLW coaches and managers can get to work on shaping a team that they hope will build on the club’s unbeaten run in the cancelled 2020 season.
During the sign and trade period, clubs will be permitted to sign up to 27 players, including rookie players.
Rookie players in the AFL Women’s Competition are those that have not been listed with any Australian football team for the past three years.
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Clubs have been informed they are not permitted to enter into any contracts or make any commitments to players until the commencement of the sign and trade period.
Cooper expects having certainty around the 2021 season will only generate excitement and provide motivation for his players.
“It’s good now that we have got some clarity around the dates with the sign and trade period starting on Monday 3 August,” Cooper said.
“It’s really good for the girls, they obviously want to know where their futures are and their planning, not just for football, but for employment and those who live interstate and things like that.
“It’s really important that date is now set, we’ll work towards getting organised for that sign and trade period.
“We will know our draft hand by then, and get prepared for season 2021.”
The AFL continues to work on a range of matters relating to the off-season and preparation for the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Competition that will involve all 14 AFLW teams.
Key dates for the 2020 AFLW Sign and Trade Period. All times are EST.
Monday August 3
AFLW Sign & Trade Period commences (12pm)
Wednesday August 12
Trade period closes (2pm)
AFLW List Lodgement # 1 (4pm)
Monday August 17
Re-signing and Restricted Free Agent period closes (2pm)
AFLW List Lodgement # 2 (4pm)
Friday August 21
Delisted Free Agent period closes (2pm)
AFLW List Lodgement # 3 (4pm)
AFLW Draft order confirmed
