MELBOURNE has continued its AFL Women’s Sign and Trade Period activity, agreeing to a deal with Greater Western Sydney and Adelaide on Thursday.

The three-way trade sees an exchange of players and draft picks between clubs, with inaugural Demon Katherine Smith departing for the Giants.

Melbourne secures the 13th and 23rd selections in the Victorian Draft – the 20th and 39th picks in the National Draft – and part ways with their recently acquired 18th Victorian selection.

As well as Smith, GWS receive National Pick No.42 and No.29 in the trade, while Adelaide obtain Giant Lisa Whitely and National Pick No.25.

The outcome sees the Demons in a strong position midway through the Sign and Trade Period, with deals reflective of their overall draft strategy.

AFLW list manager Todd Patterson reinforced the club’s focus ahead of the 2021 season.

“This trade further strengthens our draft hand and overall list strategy, as we look to build through this period,” he told Melbourne Media.

“We have been able to secure a significant number of draft picks, of which we feel are valuable with the current draft pool and puts us in a great position moving forward.”

Patterson also thanked Smith for her time at Melbourne, following a mountain of work across several roles.

“Katherine has been an outstanding contributor to our football club, both on and off the field,” Patterson told Melbourne Media.

“Not only has she contributed as a player, but she has also had a big influence, along with Bianca Jakobsson, in the establishment of the Melbourne Academy.

“We had discussions with Katherine around the management of our longer-term injury list, and what other opportunities were out there for her.

“The process has been fantastically managed by both parties, and we are excited for the opportunity Katherine now has, as well as the return for the club.”

Smith leaves the Dees after four seasons, having been with the club from the beginning of the AFLW competition.

The 21-year-old played 21 games for Melbourne between 2017 and 2019, before missing the 2020 season with an ACL injury.

Smith was taken at pick No.56 in the 2016 Draft.