Eilish Sheerin’s surprise move during AFLW trade period should worry other clubs

The ink may still be drying on North Melbourne players’ premiership tattoos, but the club isn’t resting on its laurels after claiming its first AFLW flag this month last.

The Kangaroos pulled off the biggest move of the trade period in its final 24 hours, adding Richmond star defender Eilish Sheerin in exchange for the No. 18 pick in next week’s draft.

They have also added Ariana Hetherington, 25, from Fremantle, as another tall and scrum or key forward option.

This has rightly caused some concern among opposing clubs and their supporters.

The last thing anyone would want to bolster the Kangaroos after an undefeated and dominant season was a proven all-rounder and reliable player with star power in Sheerin.

After being held to just one goal in the grand final, Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich admitted they were “pushed into submission” by North Melbourne.

Throughout the season, the Kangaroos led in tackles with an average of 80.2 and in the decider, 14 different players made at least one per quarter.

Sheerin will only increase those numbers.

While she has won back-to-back All-Australian honors as a defender, this year she has moved up the ranks as a high-pressure midfielder. She averaged 7.4 tackles per game and was able to use her strength and athleticism to escape stops.

Sheerin will likely be a handy addition to the Roos midfield – especially as veteran player Jenna Bruton was in managed games towards the end of the season – but more importantly will give Darren Crocker additional options to move around magnets.

For a hypothesis, let’s put it back in defense.

North Melbourne’s well-structured and structurally sound defense was a key part of their premiership year.

The opposition teams struggled to find a way through with skipper Emma Kearney, Erika O’Shea and Nicole Bresnehan patrolling at the back. And if they did, Jasmine Ferguson, Sarah Wright and Libby Birch were waiting there as the deepest trio.

In the grand final, the Kangaroos’ defense limited two-time premiership and then-reigning premiers Brisbane to just nine points.

Despite having season leading scorer Taylor Smith and scoring spearhead Dakota Davidson, Brisbane only managed three shots all game from their 20 inside 50 seconds. Smith and Davidson only touched the ball twice each.

It was the fourth time in nine seasons that the Lions were held to just one goal.

Sheerin could add depth to their layered system, even in spots here and there to adjust during games. This could especially be helpful if a player goes down, as Kearney did this year with a hamstring injury.

Regardless, his addition makes the strongest team in the competition even stronger.

Other key professions

In other trade news, after initially looking likely to be the story of the week, Melbourne’s Tayla Harris is staying put after the Demons and Hawthorn failed to finalize a deal. That is unless the marquee star comes off the roster and enters the draft.

Hawks fans could have used some good news after many were unhappy to lose rising quality midfielder Mattea Breed to Collingwood. Hawthorn gave up her alongside the No. 26 pick in exchange for the No. 22 and No. 28 picks in this year’s draft.

It could prove a significant comeback for the Magpies, who finished bottom of the table after just one win.

St Kilda are another team with significant additions, having added youngsters like Charlotte Baskaran, 20, from Hawthorn, and Amber Clarke, 19, from Essendon, as well as the experience of GWS debut player Nicola Barr.