Richmond will have the opportunity to lock in some new AFLW Tigers from midday Monday, when the Sign and Trade Period officially opens.
The trade component of the Period will run until Wednesday, June 9, before a Free Agency Period commences.
As Richmond approaches the Sign and Trade Period for the third time, Head of Women's Football Kate Sheahan said the Tigers were looking to secure "a rebounding defender who's an elite ball user".
"The club's looking to bring in great athletes with a professional mindset to continue to build upon our standards and elite environment," Sheahan said.
Following the recent announcement that all 18 clubs will have an AFLW team by the end of 2023, Sheahan expects there won't be as much player movement this year.
Richmond was busy in last year's Sign and Trade Period, welcoming Sarah Hosking, Sarah D'Arcy, Sarah Dargan and Harriet Cordner to the club.
"The injection of all four girls last year was really important to building on our experience last year and I think we saw that impact during the season," Sheahan said.
"We felt the personal we brought in last year helped us add depth to our list, but you always need to evaluate where you're at so you can remain competitive.
"We've been relatively consistent with our approach. We don't often target one type of player and then another a different year, we're consistent in the type of player we want to attract to our club."
Sheahan acknowledged the process of saying goodbye to players "never gets easier".
"You have to say goodbye to people who have been terrific servants to our club and that can be incredibly difficult," Sheahan said.
"These players have made history at our football club, each and every one of them, and their contribution has been so appreciated."
The 2021 AFLW Draft order will be confirmed on Friday, June 25.
The Tigers currently hold four picks, 5, 23, 26 and 40, after it was recently announced that they would receive a priority selection in the second round.
"We're thankful for this assistance," Sheahan said.
"It allows us some flexibility in the Sign and Trade Period and it gives us some extra support to pick up the best talent in the draft."
The next AFLW season has been brought forward to December this year, to give the 10-round competition clear air and prevent an overlap with the AFL competition.
Pre-season will kick off in September, with the Grand Final to be held in mid-March, 2022.
"It's so exciting for our playing group that the season is coming around closer," Sheahan said.
"They've had a nice annual leave period but I think there's huge enthusiasm among the staff and playing group to get back to work.
"They're itching to come together as a group."
Key dates for the 2021 AFLW Sign and Trade Period:
Monday, May 31
Sign & Trade Period commences (12pm AEST)
Wednesday, June 9
Trade Period closes (2pm AEST)
List Lodgement #1 (4pm AEST)
Wednesday, June 16
Re-signing period closes (2pm AEST)
Restricted Free Agency Period closes (2pm AEST)
List Lodgement #2 (4pm AEST)
Friday, June 25
Delisted Free Agency period closes (2pm AEST)
List Lodgement #3 (4pm AEST)
NAB AFLW Draft order confirmed
