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St Kilda is pleased to welcome Darcy Guttridge to its AFLW 2020 ranks.

After being picked at number 9 in the 2017 Draft, the Gippsland product spent the past two seasons with Collingwood before signing her new contract with the Saints.

“The whole feel around the club, I enjoyed it as soon as I walked in the doors,” Guttridge said.

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“Meeting Peta and Jamie [Cox], it’s been great vibes in terms of staff that I’ve met.”

A broken collarbone kept her out of the 2018 AFLW season, but Guttridge says the ups and downs of footy have only made her stronger. The 19-year-old also moved from the backline to the forward line in 2019, proving her versatility.

“It was fun making people accountable for once rather than me being accountable for my player,” Guttridge said.

“I found it really fun bringing defensive pressure up forward. I’ve really enjoyed my time there.”

Head of Women’s Football Peta Searle said she had been impressed by the former Vic Country captain.

“Darcy’s a really good athlete and has shown great adaptability across her footy career so far,” Searle said.

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“She’s had a few speed bumps in her journey, but the resilience and resolve she’s shown has been really impressive.

“Darcy is a very clean ball user, with good run and carry.”

Those qualities, combined with her leadership experience, is something we believe will be invaluable when it comes to shaping our young group.”

Guttridge said she was looking forward to building the Saints AFLW culture.

“I always try to lead the best I can, whether I have a role or just as a teammate. As a younger side and brand new into the competition, I really want to help build our culture.”