The AFL has announced changes to the 2023 NAB AFLW Draft that will allow players to nominate for a national pool for the first time.
Previously, players were only able to nominate for one state's draft pool, but the upcoming draft will give players the option to either nominate for their home state's pool or the new national pool, opening the door for more opportunities for prospective AFLW players.
Players who nominate for the national pool could find their way to any of the 18 clubs in the AFLW, with the player eligible for relocation support if they are drafted to a club from outside their home state.
Players from Victoria, New South Wales/ACT, South Australia, Western Australia or Queensland can nominate for a home-state draft pool to only be considered by clubs in their own state.
Players from Tasmania or Northern Territory can choose to either go in the national pool or nominate another state's pool.
National draft pool
A draft prospect who nominates for the ‘national draft pool’ can be drafted by any of the 18 AFLW clubs.
If they are drafted by a club in another state other than their home state, they will be eligible for relocation support.
Home-state draft pool
A player who nominates for their home-state draft pool can be selected by a club in their home state.
- Resides in Victoria: Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Geelong Cats, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Richmond, St Kilda, Sydney Swans, Western Bulldogs
- Resides in South Australia: Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide)
- Resides in Western Australia: Fremantle or West Coast)
- Resides in Queensland: Brisbane or Gold Coast SUNS)
- Resides in New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory: GWS GIANTS or Sydney Swans
- Resides in Tasmania (North Melbourne) *
International players must nominate for the national draft pool.
*Players residing in Tasmania and the Northern Territory are permitted to nominate for any state pool.
The date and time of the AFLW Draft is yet to be announced.
