As opening day of the AFL Women’s Sign & Trade period begins, Geelong has secured former Geelong Falcon Ingrid Houtsma from Richmond in exchange for Stephanie Williams.

Houtsma is an athletic 176cm winger, who was selected with pick No. 50 at the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft. The 18-year-old is yet to debut at AFLW level, but is seen as a versatile, long-term prospect for the Cats.

Houtsma has played four games for Richmond-aligned Port Melbourne in the VFLW this season, averaging 10 disposals and three tackles a game, and played eight games for the Geelong Falcons in the NAB League in 2021, averaging 12 disposals and four tackles per game.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ingrid to the club and look forward to watching her continue to grow and develop as a footballer at the Cats.” Geelong Cats Head of AFLW and Pathways Brett Johnson said. 

Ingrid’s talent will complement our list, and we see her as a versatile, long-term prospect for our club.”

Williams, who was selected by the Cats with pick No. 27 in the 2020 draft, has played four games at AFLW level after debuting against Collingwood in Round 2, 2021.

Drafted to the club as a small forward, Williams continued to develop her game in 2022, playing predominantly in defence in the VFLW. The 20-year-old played 13 games and kicked seven goals over two seasons in the state league.

“Richmond presents a great opportunity for Stephanie to continue to grow, and expand on the hard work she has put in to her training and AFLW journey to date,” Johnson said.

"We thank Stephanie for her commitment to Geelong and wish her well as she embarks on this next chapter.”

The AFLW Sign & Trade Period began on Tuesday and will run until Wednesday, 8 June.  Following announcements will be communicated via Geelong Cats social channels.