WITH the AFL Female Draft approaching on May 19, both Melbourne and Western Bulldogs were forced to make several list changes.

After much consideration, reappointed Senior Coach Michelle Cowan made 12 changes.

Cowan’s motivation for change was to ensure as many talented female footballers have the opportunity to play AFL.

“We were was a victorious team, taking the win over the Western Bulldogs by five goals and many of the girls played their role really well, so from that perspective it was difficult to then to delist 12 players, “ Cowan said.

No doubt a difficult task for Cowan, she said the decision on who to delist was made by looking at the balance of the team, positional players, leadership, and reviewing the last year’s match at the MCG.

“I was really happy with the response from the girls. They were really understanding in regards to our position to grow the AFL Draft and the female game. The players who have been delisted can again renominate and that was something I certainly encouraged many of the girls to do,” said Cowan.

Looking forward to the Round 8 showdown against the Bulldogs, Cowan said: “I have full confidence in the 13 girls retained on our list. I’m excited about the chance to give another 12 girls the opportunity to pull on a Melbourne Football Club Guernsey.”

The delisted players, who can nominate for the draft, include Renee Forth, Steph Walding, Jasmine Garner, Madeline Kerrick, Bianca Jackobson, Bronwyn Davey, Kaitlyn Ashmore, Jeniffer Law, Amy Catterall, Alex Price, Maddi Smith and Brooke Whyte.