A three-way deal involving the Brisbane Lions and West Coast has resulted in Geelong saying farewell to a talented youngster but welcoming an emerging midfielder.
Annabel Johnson’s request for a trade to the Eagles has been granted, with the Cats also sending selection 24 across the Nullarbor.
Geelong also sent selections 36 and 57 to the Lions as part of the deal and received Bella Smith and picks 32 and 41 in return.
Johnson played 16 games in her three seasons at GMHBA Stadium after being selected with pick 15 in the 2021 draft.
However, the 23-year-old didn’t feature at all in the 2023 season.
She joins Renee Garing (retired) and delisted trio Sam Gooden, Ingrid Houtsman and Mia Skinner in departing the Geelong program.
“Annabel is a quality person who has been committed to our football program and emerging team culture, and we wish her all the best in her career,” assistant football boss Brett Johnson said.
A product of the Lions Academy/Maroochydore who joined Brisbane via the 2021 AFLW draft, Smith made her AFLW debut in Round 9 after overcoming an ACL injury.
“While we are disappointed to lose Annabel, it has provided us the chance to bring in Bella from the Lions, an emerging talent from Brisbane who we think can add to our depth and core group of young emerging players,” Johnson said.
Geelong will take picks 17, 32, 41 and 75 to Monday’s draft, with the Cats likely to use one of those picks on Bendigo young gun Bryde O’Rourke as a father-daughter selection.
