Delisted premiership Lion Jess Wuetschner has landed an AFLW lifeline with Essendon ahead of the seventh instalment of the Women's competition.
Wuetschner was informed her contract at Brisbane would not be extended for the upcoming August campaign, ending a cherished tenure with Lions for the Tasmanian forward.
The inaugural Lion was a member of the club's 2021 premiership side, where she booted two goals to steer her side to an 18-point victory.
Wuetschner played 38 games for Brisbane, leading the club's goalkciking tally in two seasons and earning All-Australian honours in 2018.
The 30-year-old will now join the Bombers ahead of their inaugural season in the AFLW after sitting out a majority of season six due to a battle with mental health.
The club confirmed on Saturday that Wuetschner was the latest signature to land at Tullamarine.
“To have someone like Jess join the club will be fantastic for our young list. With her experience and leadership, she will be an extremely valuable member of our team,” Bombers football boss Josh Mahoney said.
Wuetschner joins the likes of Sophie Alexander, Daria Bannister, Steph Cain, Ellyse Gamble, Georgia Gee, Cat Phillips, Maddy Prespakis, Bonnie Toogood, Sophie Van De Heuvel and Jacqui Vogt in signing with Essendon's women's side.