High flying Magpie forward Christina Bernardi has become a GIANT.
The 27-year-old who was named at full forward in the 2018 Virgin Australia AFLW All Australian team after kicking nine goals for Collingwood has joined the GIANTS as part of a complex trade involving five clubs.
The GIANTS received Bernardi from Collingwood and maintained their
Bernardi was drafted by Collingwood with pick 132 of the 2016 NAB AFLW Draft as a midfielder but has since become one of the most damaging forwards in the game.
Known for her accuracy in front of goal and her bravery to run back with the flight of the ball, Bernardi averaged 11.4 disposals and 4.3 marks per game in 2018.
GIANTS coach Alan McConnell welcomed the signing of Bernardi, who outside of football is a teacher.
“We’re delighted to have Christina join the club,” McConnell said.
“To have an All Australian make the decision to move to the club shows that we’re building a really strong culture here at the GIANTS.
“Christina is an experienced competitive forward, who isn’t afraid of a contest and she will add some fire power to our forward line, while she also has the ability to run in the midfield and win the footy.”
In further good news for the GIANTS, five local players and an international star will return in 2019.
Canberra’s Britt Tully and Hay’s Jodie Hicks have signed on for another season at the GIANTS, and the club’s first-ever New South Wales signing, Maddy Collier, has extended her stay at the club to
Forwards Rebecca Beeson and Jacinda Barclay will don the orange and charcoal for another season while promising South Australian rookie Tait Mackrill has also put pen to paper on a new contract.
Irish sensation Cora Staunton, who lit up the competition in 2018 with her unique kicking style and hard-nosed attack at the football, will return to Western Sydney for
The Ladies Gaelic Football legend will join the GIANTS once her duties with county Mayo conclude in November.
GIANTS 2019 AFL Women’s List
Alicia Eva
Jess Dal Pos
Nicola Barr
Tanya Hetherington
Ellie Brush
Aimee Schmidt
Louise Stephenson
Emma Swanson
Amanda Farrugia
Pepa Randall
Elle Bennetts
Erin McKinnon
Courtney Gum
Phoebe Monahan
Rebecca Beeson
Jacinda Barclay
Maddy Collier
Jodie Hicks
Britt Tully
Tait Mackrill
Cora Staunton
Christina Bernardi
The GIANTS hold picks 12, 42 and 53 in the 2018 NAB AFL Women’s Draft to be held in Melbourne in October.