Essendon appears likely to add a major piece to their inaugural AFLW side as former Pick 2 selection Sophie Van De Heuvel has informed Geelong that she will depart the club this off-season.
The Bombers have already added star names in Madison Preskpakis and Bonnie Toogood to their list, with Van De Heuvel the latest to link up with the Dons for the upcoming season.
Van De Heuvel is also set to join the likes of former Lion Jordan Zanchetta, current VFLW leading goalkicker Federica Frew and international signings Danielle Marshall and Joanne Doonan at Tullamarine.
She will also be reunited with Natalie Woods, her former assistant coach at the Cats who's now the Bombers VFLW head coach, who will no doubt be able to maximise the speedy winger's abilities.
Geelongโs AFLW boss Brett Johnson was full of praise when speaking about Van De Heuvel's impact at the Cats.
โSophie has been an integral member of our playing squad since we entered the AFLW, and we thank her for all she has given the club, Johnson said, via K Rock Footballโ
โIn addition to her on-field ability, we know Sophieโs new team will benefit from her warmth and kindness that the Cats have enjoyed over the past four years.โ
With a strong VFLW program and the National Draft coming up at the end of June, Essendon should have an array of talented players to compete in the top flight of women's football.
