Inaugural GWS Giants star Nicola Barr is set to bring her skills and leadership to Moorabbin, signing a three-year deal with St Kilda as part of a significant three-way trade involving the Giants and Adelaide during the 2024 AFLW Trade Period.
The 28-year-old utility, renowned as the AFLW’s first-ever No. 1 draft pick, joins the Saints after a stellar nine-season career with GWS, during which she played 61 games and established herself as one of the club’s most versatile and consistent performers. Barr’s ability to excel across multiple positions—half-back, high half-forward, and midfield—was most evident in 2023, when she transitioned into the midfield and delivered a career-best season, finishing fifth in the Giants’ Best and Fairest.
Despite a hamstring injury that limited her 2024 campaign to just three games, Barr’s experience and versatility make her a key addition to St Kilda’s midfield. The Saints are eager for her to bolster their engine room and add depth to their lineup in 2025.
“Nicola has been a figurehead for football in NSW and the entire competition over her past nine seasons, finishing in the top five of the Giants’ Best and Fairest on multiple occasions,” EGM AFLW Tessie McManus said. “A proven leader on and off the field, we’re very excited to welcome Nicola and her family to St Kilda.”
As part of the trade, the Saints bid farewell to speedster Grace Kelly, who joins the Adelaide Crows to play alongside her sister, Niamh. The trade also involved pick swaps, with St Kilda acquiring Barr and pick 57, while GWS received pick 52, and Adelaide gained Kelly.
This move signifies a strategic acquisition for St Kilda as they continue to strengthen their squad with experienced talent.
