THE 2023 AFLW Trade Period has officially closed, and Melbourne has finished the silly season with a number of exciting prospects.  

Prior to the trade period kicking off, the club’s List Manager Todd Patterson expressed that the club was focused on using the time to improve its draft hand.   

“What has been missing through the expansion periods with our retention and our success having us at the backend of the draft, is that we really missed out on getting some of that young talent through the draft,” Patterson told Melbourne Media. 

“That is going to be a key focus for us, getting ourselves up the draft order as high as we can and really targeting that next wave to come with our already established 22 to 25-year-olds, which are some of the best players in the competition.” 

This focus drove the club to make a number of moves during this past week, with five players leaving the Dees. In return, Melbourne has moved up the draft order, preparing to sign young, exciting talent next week at the 2023 AFLW National Draft.  

The draft is set to take place on Monday 18 December, with the club now holding picks No.5, 12, 23, 40, 55 and 57.  

In addition to improving its draft hand, the club also welcomed recruit Lily Johnson via a trade with Port Adelaide. 

Johnson is a natural athlete who is set to bring plenty of class, composure and versatility to the Dees.  

The 19-year-old hails from Tasmania with five senior AFLW games under her belt, providing a fresh level of star power to the Melbourne team.   

“We’re really excited by the opportunities that our draft hand presents,” Patterson said following the conclusion of the period.  

“We can’t wait to welcome some quality young players, that will build on our list for next year and beyond.  

 “Our members and supporters should be really excited about the prospective talent coming through the doors on Monday night, and the overall direction of our program ahead of the 2024 season.”  

Take a look at the breakdown of Melbourne’s 2023 trade period below.