In a move that has caught many Brisbane Lions fans off-guard, Jesse Wardlaw and Lulu Pullar have informed the club of their desire to be traded to other AFLW clubs. The news has left Lions management searching for suitable options for the pair.
Wardlaw was drafted by the Lions at pick No. 61 in the 2018 AFL Women’s Draft and quickly established herself as a key player in the forward line. She kicked an impressive 47 goals from 49 games and had a standout 2022 NAB AFLW Season 7, winning the AFLW Leading Goalkicker Award. Her 19 goals for the season equalled Adelaide’s Ash Woodland’s record for the most number of goals kicked in the home and away season.
As a key figure in the Lions 2021 Premiership team, the club says Wardlaw will be sorely. Lions Head of Women’s Football, Breeanna Brock, thanked her for her outstanding contribution to the Club, saying, “Jesse has been a very valued member of the Brisbane Lions, coming up through the ranks via our Academy. She will always have a place here at Brisbane. As a home-grown talent, we would have loved Jesse to remain with the Lions. On behalf of everyone at Brisbane, I would like to thank Jesse for everything she has done for our Club, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Pullar played 14 games for the Lions after coming to the Club through the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft. The 24-year-old was awarded the Best First Year player in Season 6. However, she has indicated to the Club that she is seeking to continue her football career at another AFLW club whilst also taking employment opportunities in Melbourne. Lions Head of Women’s Football, Breeanna Brock, wished her every success in her next chapter not only with her football career but as a first-year doctor as well.
The Brisbane Lions have also informed Gabby Collingwood, Ava Seton and Maggie Harmer that they will not be offered a playing contract for the upcoming season. Collingwood joined Brisbane in 2018 playing 12 AFLW games across six seasons proving herself as a clever forward. Despite her injury struggles in the last few years, Collingwood was a big influence off-field throughout Brisbane’s Grand Final push in Season 7.
The AFLW Sign and Trade Period will be held from Friday, March 10 – Monday, March 20.
