Richmond has welcomed medium defender/wing Molly Eastman to its AFLW list following a trade with Sydney today.

In exchange for Eastman, Richmond has parted ways with its second-round selection at the 2023 AFLW Supplementary Draft, currently No. 27 overall (received initially from Essendon for Kodi Jacques).

Eastman, a former North Melbourne VFLW captain, is fresh off a terrific debut season in the competition, playing every game and finishing 7th in the Swans Season 7 AFLW Club Champion Award.

The Victorian averaged 10 disposals and 3.8 tackles per game across the season, with her best performance (15 disposals, four tackles) coming in the much-anticipated Sydney derby against GWS.

Quick, competitive, skillful and an excellent decision maker, Eastman will add to Richmond’s defensive and midfield stocks.

Eastman will be reunited at Richmond with former North Melbourne (VFLW) teammate Meagan Kiely. The duo finished as the top two in the Roos’ 2021 best and fairest.

The 24-year-old is also a former local football teammate of star Tiger Ellie McKenzie, with the pair first flourishing together at the Fitzroy Junior Football Club.

Richmond Head of Women’s Football, Kate Sheahan, said Eastman had been eager to get closer to home and complete her studies at Melbourne University, where she is undertaking a Doctor of Physiotherapy.

“We are delighted to welcome Molly to Richmond; she is a rebounding defender and winger that has stood out in the Victorian state leagues for a long period and has now proven she is a quality AFLW player,” she said.

“Molly had an excellent season up in Sydney where they got the best out of her, so we were delighted when she requested a trade to Richmond.

“We thank the Swans for their understanding of her situation and are grateful to have been able to facilitate a trade.”