The West Coast Eagles have made a strategic move to bolster their AFLW list, executing a trade to bring young wing Ella Slocombe home to Western Australia from North Melbourne.
Eagles Address Need for Speed
In a deal confirmed on Monday, December 8, 2025, the Eagles parted with Pick 48 in the upcoming AFLW draft to acquire the Claremont product. As part of the transaction, West Coast also received a future 2026 fourth-round selection tied to the Richmond Football Club.
Eagles AFLW list manager Jordan Loxley highlighted Slocombe's attributes as a key reason for the trade. "We've always been fans of Ella, and while opportunities were limited for her at North Melbourne, when she did play she looked extremely comfortable at the level," Loxley said.
"We were keen to add speed and genuine running power to our squad, and Ella fits that need perfectly."
Slocombe's Path to Opportunity
Ella Slocombe's time at the Kangaroos was hampered by the team's remarkable success, having gone unbeaten across the past two AFLW seasons. This limited her to just a single appearance at the top level.
However, the move to the Eagles is expected to provide her with a clearer path to regular senior football. The trade represents a homecoming for the West Australian talent, who originally hails from Claremont in the WAFLW.
Broader AFLW Trade Period Heats Up
This swap comes as the AFLW's trade period begins to accelerate. In other significant movement:
- Fremantle is on the verge of finalising a deal to bring Melbourne forward Eden Zanker to the Dockers.
- Three-time Adelaide premiership star Anne Hatchard completed her move to the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday, in a complex trade that saw the Crows acquire Pick 4 in the draft.
For West Coast, the Slocombe deal is a dual-purpose play. "This deal also allows us to add an extra pick in next year's draft, giving us greater flexibility as we head into 2026 and continue to shape our list," Loxley added, emphasising the long-term list management strategy.
