St Kilda has retained an overwhelming majority of its playing list for the upcoming 2021/22 AFLW season, with 25 existing players committing to the Saints’ third year at the elite level.

Headlining the list of re-signings is the young core of Tyanna Smith, Olivia Vesely, Alice Burke, Nicola Xenos and Tarni White, who have each signed on until the end of the 2022/23 season.

Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Jayde Van Dyk, Jacqui Vogt and Hannah Priest will also remain at RSEA Park for at least another two seasons, while Nat Exon, Tahlia Meyer, Bec Ott, Jess Matin, Darcy Guttridge, Rhi Watt, Cat Phillips and Kate Shierlaw have each put pen to paper to extend their stays for another year.

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Head of Women’s Football Jamie Cox said it was significant to see such a strong level of dedication from the playing group.

“It’s amazing to have 25 players commit for this upcoming season and it’s a reflection of how invested everyone is across the board,” Cox said.

“Our young core signing on has solidified our foundations for both the present and future, as has the commitment of last season’s four co-captains for the season ahead.

We have full faith that this group has both the drive and the talent to take important strides forward next season, and we’re excited as to what can unfold during the 2021/22 season.

- Jamie Cox

In other list news, key defender Clara Fitzpatrick has been delisted after spending Season 2021 on the club’s inactive list due to VISA issues preventing her from travelling to Australia from Ireland.

The 30-year-old ruptured her ACL while playing Gaelic Football in Ireland earlier this month, with the injury forcing her to focus on her recovery.

Fitzpatrick recently had her permanent residency application in Australia approved, clearing the way for a 2021/22 return prior to her recent setback.

The club will assess re-drafting Fitzpatrick ahead of the 2022/23 AFLW season.

“Clara has had a terrible run of luck this past year, but she’s fully focused on doing everything possible on making a return for the following season,” Cox said.

“We will support Clara as best as we can from afar while she continues her rehabilitation, but she certainly will be missed on-field and at RSEA Park.”

Peta Searle to depart Saints

St Kilda brought in former Tiger Alana Woodward as a delisted free agent and rookie ruck Paige Price after this year’s Trade Period, while Poppy Kelly and Claudia Whitfort were traded to Richmond and Gold Coast respectively.

Delisted trio Ali Brown, Nadia von Bertouch and Tamara Luke round out the club’s additional list changes alongside retiree Selena Karlson.

St Kilda currently holds pick No. 4 (Vic No. 2), 12 (Vic No. 8) and 36 (Vic No. 21). 

2021/22 St Kilda AFLW re-signings

  • Molly McDonald
  • Alice Burke
  • Darcy Guttridge
  • Tyanna Smith
  • Rhi Watt
  • Bianca Jakobsson
  • Kate McCarthy
  • Jacqui Vogt
  • Isabella Shannon
  • Kate Shierlaw
  • Renee Saulitis
  • Hannah Priest
  • Nat Exon
  • Caitlin Greiser
  • Tilly Lucas-Rodd
  • Jess Matin
  • Rebecca Ott
  • Georgia Patrikios
  • Olivia Vesely
  • Rosie Dillon
  • Nicola Xenos
  • Tarni White
  • Tahlia Meyer
  • Cat Phillips
  • Jayde Van Dyk

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