Finley’s Eloise Ashley-Cooper lands AFLW gig, Grace Egan returns to Richmond

By James Kleeman

Jun 7, 2022

Back at Tigerland: Shepparton’s Grace Egan has returned to Richmond for the coming AFLW season. Photo by ROB PREZIOSO

Season seven of the AFLW looks set to be one of the best yet, with a number of recent trades getting fans excited for the curtain-raiser in August.

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Finley product Eloise Ashley-Cooper has signed on for the Essendon Football Club’s inaugural AFLW team, while Shepparton’s Grace Egan has returned to Richmond after three seasons at Carlton.

Reigning VFLW best-and-fairest Ashley-Cooper impressed the brain-trust at the Bombers last season, making an impression across the Bombers’ backline and midfield, averaging 14.9 disposals, 8.6 kicks and 6.3 handballs a game.

Ashley-Cooper joins fellow VFLW teammates in Renee Tierney and Isabella Ayre, with all three joining the Bombers as open-age signings.

Essendon executive general manager of football Josh Mahoney said these signings reflected the strength of the VFLW program and the success it had had in improving players' development.

“In our inaugural VFLW season, the team won one game,” Mahoney said.

“Five years on and they’ve finished undefeated and minor premiers.

“These three signings in addition to the previous announcements are a fantastic reflection on our VFLW program and how it has enhanced individual players’ development while striving for team-orientated success.

“Eloise, Renee and Bella have been key to our VFLW success this year and I look forward to seeing them develop further in the AFLW environment.”

Meanwhile, Egan is returning to the Swinburne Centre for Richmond’s 2022 campaign.

The 21-year-old was selected by Carlton with pick No.13 overall in the 2019 AFLW draft after spending two seasons in the Tigers’ VFLW team.

Egan received votes for the NAB AFLW Rising Star Award in 2020 and was a vital cog in the Blues’ defence across her 23 matches with the club, averaging 15.3 disposals and four tackles.

Richmond head of women’s football Kate Sheahan said Egan would be a strong addition to Tigers’ midfield.

“Grace is familiar with a lot of the players, coaches and staff already at Richmond, which we think will help her transition into our program smoothly,” she said.

“She plays football hard and tough and will complement our midfield brigade well.

“We are looking forward to seeing what Grace can help us achieve for the upcoming season and beyond.”