St Kilda Football Club has added another touch of Irish flair to its playing list, recruiting West Coast forward Grace Kelly in exchange for pick No. 54.

Originally signed as an international rookie alongside her sister, Niamh, in May 2019, Kelly went on to become a staple of the Eagles’ line-up, playing 23 out of a possible 25 games.

The established Gaelic Football star from County Mayo claimed West Coast’s leading goalkicker honours in 2021 and finished equal-fourth in that season’s Club Champion Award.

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“We’re thrilled to welcome Grace to St Kilda,” Head of AFLW Tessie McManus said.

“Grace is a hard-running player who boasts incredible pace, which she has used to great effect consistently throughout her career.

“She has the ability to greatly enhance our forward line, but has also proven her ability to play along the wing or even in the ruck.

“We look forward to welcoming Grace to RSEA Park in the coming days and are very excited to see how she will complement our list this upcoming season.”

Kelly becomes the fourth player to join St Kilda this Sign & Trade Period following the acquisitions of All-Australians Nicola Stevens (Carlton) and Erin McKinnon (GWS), plus delisted free agent Clara Fitzpatrick.

2022 AFLW Sign & Trade Period

IN:

Nicola Stevens (traded in for pick No. 28, first-round compensation pick)
Erin McKinnon (traded in for pick No. 37)
Clara Fitzpatrick (delisted free agent)
Grace Kelly (traded in for pick No. 54)

OUT:

Kate McCarthy (delisted)
Tahlia Meyer (delisted)
Tilly Lucas-Rodd (expansion)
Cat Phillips (expansion)
Paige Price (delisted)
Isabella Shannon (delisted, study leave)
Jacqui Vogt (expansion)
Rhiannon Watt (delisted)
Alana Woodward (delisted)
Pick No. 54 (brought in as part of Erin McKinnon trade, used to secure Grace Kelly)

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