AFLW stars Steph Chiocci and Jaimee Lambert are officially Saints, with the club facilitating a trade for the high-calibre pair today.

The Saints engaged in a three-way trade with Collingwood and North Melbourne to secure seven-time captain Chiocci and two-time All-Australian Lambert, with departing players Kate Shierlaw and Tarni White finding new clubs as part of the arrangement.

St Kilda also received pick No. 31 as part of the deal with the Magpies and Kangaroos, which can be used at the upcoming AFLW Draft.

“We’re really pleased to welcome Steph and Jaimee,” St Kilda Head of AFLW Tessie McManus said.

“Both girls are incredible athletes, but it’s their leadership and ability to really unite a team that impresses us most.

"We’ve got quite a young group who we know will benefit tremendously from the experience of Steph and Jaimee both on and off the field."

Chiocci, who captained Collingwood since the first ever AFLW game in 2017, said she was looking forward to settling in at RSEA Park.

“I believe I still have a lot to give to the game and I think St Kilda is the best place to do that,” Chiocci said.

“Through conversations I’ve had with some of the players and coaches I think there’s a lot of room for us to grow as a group and improve across the board, which is exciting.

“The facilities here are incredible and the interactions I’ve had with the men’s players have also been really positive.

“It feels as though it’s really a one-club environment and the programs are supportive of each other, which is something that excited me about coming here; working with people who are like-minded and are going to support one another.

“I’m looking forward to playing the best footy I can for the Saints, while hopefully bringing others along with me.”

Lambert echoed Chiocci’s excitement, saying the timing was right to start a new chapter of her football career.

“There’s an exciting young list here at St Kilda, and I was ready for a change, so I’m looking forward to getting started,” Lambert said.

“Right across the group there are girls who I’m looking forward to playing with. From experienced heads like Nicola Stevens and Bianca Jakobsson, to younger players like Georgia Patrikios and Nicola Xenos, there’s a lot of talent here.”

Reflecting on her seven years in the AFLW, Lambert said her early observations of the Saints drew parallels to some of her recent lived experience.

“There are a lot of similarities between the Saints now and where we were at the Pies four years ago,” Lambert said.

“If we come together as a group and work hard, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.”

When asked about her former captain, Lambert was unsurprisingly complimentary.

“Steph’s experience and knowledge of the game is phenomenal,” Lambert said.

“Her leadership is also a clear asset – she’s captained the Pies for seven seasons straight – so I see her helping guide the playing group on and off the field.”

Chiocci was similarly glowing.

“Jaimee is super competitive and hates to lose,” Chiocci said.

“She’s an in-and-under midfielder who can also hit the scoreboard. I think her best footy is still ahead of her, which is pretty rare to say about someone who is already a two-time All-Australian.”

Chiocci and Lambert will officially join their new teammates when pre-season commences.

Trade breakdown

St Kilda receives Stephanie Chiocci, Jaimee Lambert and Selection 31
St Kilda gives Kate Shierlaw and Tarni White.
North Melbourne receives Kate Shierlaw.
North Melbourne gives Grace Campbell and Selection 15.
Collingwood receives Tarni White, Grace Campbell and Selection 15.
Collingwood gives Stephanie Chiocci, Jaimee Lambert and Selection 31.