The GIANTS have recruited talented defender Katherine Smith from the Melbourne Demons as part of a three-way trade.
Smith will arrive at the GIANTS on a two-year deal with Lisa Whiteley departing the club to return home to Adelaide.
GIANTS Head of Academies and AFLW Briana Harvey thanked Whiteley for her contribution to the GIANTS.
“Lisa has had a highly positive influence on our club over the past two seasons,” Harvey said.
“She played two games for us in her two seasons at the club but off the field she was the ultimate professional and a wonderful teammate.
“We wish her all the best back home at the Crows.”
Smith, 21, is a former Vic Metro captain and a smart reader of the play who brings strong leadership and decision-making to the team.
She was nominated for the 2017 NAB AFLW Rising Star in the inaugural season of the competition and hadn’t missed a game prior to a knee injury suffered during the 2020 pre-season.
Harvey welcomed Smith to the orange and charcoal.
“We’re thrilled to have Katherine join the club on a two-year deal,” she said.
“She’s a versatile player who can play as a defender or inside-mid and she brings great leadership skills.
“She’s coming off an ACL injury but her rehabilitation is going really well and she’ll be looking to return to the field in GIANTS colours in 2021.”
The AFL Women's Sign and Trade Period commenced on Monday, August 3 and during this period, clubs will be permitted to sign up to 27 players, including rookie players.
The Trade Period closes on Wednesday, August 12 with the first AFLW List Lodgement on the same date
Pre-season will commence with a two-week induction period starting Wednesday November 4, 2020 while the 2021 NAB AFL Women's Competition is set for the week commencing February 1, 2021.
The GIANTS will announce their re-signings in the coming days.
Trade Details:
GIANTS receive: Katherine Smith (Melbourne), pick 29 (Melbourne), pick 42 (Adelaide)
Melbourne receive: Pick 20 (Adelaide), pick 39 (GIANTS)
Adelaide receive: Lisa Whiteley (GIANTS), pick 25 (GIANTS)
