Young defenders Katie Lynch and Charlotte Wilson are officially Gold Coast SUNS players following an AFLW mega trade involving 11 clubs.
Season Seven All-Australian Lynch and key defender Wilson join the SUNS with the club also gaining Pick 44.
The trade will also see key defender Lauren Ahrens and Jasmyn Smith depart the club to the Western Bulldogs with Pick 14 and Pick 38 also traded to the West Coast Eagles.
Lynch, a former first-round pick, has played 42 games for both Collingwood and the Bulldogs, most recently earning both All-Australian and 22Under22 honours in Season Seven. The 23-year-old missed the second half of the 2023 campaign with injury and is eyeing a fresh opportunity under Cameron Joyce at the SUNS.
22-year-old Wilson was originally drafted by Carlton with Pick 27 in the 2018 Draft and has since played 30 games for the Blues and Demons, including the 2019 AFLW Grand Final.
Having held a number of leadership positions throughout her young football career, Wilson adds further experience to a developing SUNS backline.
Gold Coast SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago is thrilled to be welcoming two exciting young talents to the club.
“Katie’s experience and growing list of accolades speaks for itself. Over just a few seasons in the AFLW competition, she has shown defensive capabilities and leadership qualities well beyond her years,” Sessarago said.
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“With six seasons of AFLW experience under her belt, Charlotte brings plenty of knowledge to our defense, and at just 22 years of age, she still has plenty of growth ahead of her which is exciting.
“Both players have experience in leadership positions and will be important assets for the club in 2024 and beyond.
“We can’t wait for both of them to get started.”
Sessarago also thanked foundation player Ahrens and SUNS Academy product Smith for their services to the club.
“Lauren has been an influential member of our program dating back to our inception. She has been a consistent contributor over five seasons now, debuting in our inaugural game and featuring in every AFLW match since.
“Jasmyn is a success story of our who rose through the ranks of the Academy. She has been a valued member of our club across two AFLW seasons and many years prior as part of the Academy, earning the opportunity to play five AFLW games for the club.
“We wish Lauren and Jasmyn all the best in what’s next for both of them.”
The SUNS currently hold selections 35, 44, 53, 54, 55 and 59 ahead of Monday night’s AFLW Draft.
Trade Summary:
SUNS receive: Katie Lynch, Charlotte Wilson, Pick 44
SUNS send: Lauren Ahrens, Jasmyn Smith, Pick 14, Pick 38
