Simone Nalder has joined St Kilda’s AFLW Primary List for Season 7, replacing Leah Cutting for the campaign ahead.

Cutting's unavailability comes due to work commitments back in South Australia.

“We’re immensely disappointed for Leah, but pleased to have the door open up for Simone to join our list as a result,” Head of AFLW Tessie McManus said.

“Leah and the club have been in continuous communication over the last two weeks and after weighing up her options, the decision was been made to place her on our inactive list.

“Leah will no doubt be missed by her teammates this season. Her professionalism and work ethic both on-field and at training was something our players all aspired towards and a trait which her coaches greatly respected.

“While Leah is extremely upset, she has shown great maturity and a team-first attitude by putting the Saints’ best interests first.”

Nalder has spent the past five years on Essendon’s VFLW list, holding vice-captaincy duties and most recently receiving Premiership honours at last week’s VFLW Grand Final.

A professional netballer before picking up the Sherrin in 2017, the 32-year-old comes to the Saints as a ready-made ruck replacement to complement All-Australian recruit Erin McKinnon.

“After interviewing Simone, we believe she will be a great fit for our program. She has all the physical attributes to play AFLW and with the guidance of Rucks/Talls Coach, Brendon Lade, we believe she will be great support for Erin,” McManus said.

“We look forward to having Simone join our program and fulfill her dream of playing football at the highest level.”

Nalder joins recent draftees J’Noemi Anderson, Hannah Stuart, Deanna Jolliffe and Caitlin Matthews on the club’s list for Season 7.