St Kilda Football Club is thrilled to welcome Nicola Stevens to its AFLW playing list, after completing a trade with Carlton today.

Stevens has not missed a game of AFLW since the competition’s inception and it’s not hard to tell why.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Nicola to the club,” Head of AFLW Tessie McManus said.

“Nicola is composed with ball in-hand, has great marking ability, and allows us some additional flexibility thanks to her ability to play both down back and up forward.

She’s a seasoned professional, having a positive influence on her teammates both on and off the field, and we look forward to the insight and learnings she can bring to our young playing group.

- Head of AFLW Tessie McManus

Stevens, who was initially recruited to Collingwood Football Club with pick No. 6 in the inaugural AFLW Draft, was All-Australian in 2017, also claiming Collingwood’s Best and Fairest that year. After joining the Blues, she went on to claim Runner Up in their 2021 Best and Fairest behind Darcy Vescio.

“I’m really excited to join the Saints,” Stevens said.

“After meeting with Nick Dal Santo, Tessie McManus and some players and staff I just knew this was the right place for me to be heading into Season Seven.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know all the girls a bit more and head into pre-season with a real appetite for growth and to see this group succeed.”

Stevens is also a passionate ambassador for Dementia Australia, with her community work being recognised with a Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award nomination in 2021. 

In exchange for Stevens, Carlton acquired the Saints’ first round compensation pick, which currently sits at pick No. 28 overall.

2022 AFLW Sign & Trade Period

IN:

Nicola Stevens (traded in for pick No. 28, first-round compensation pick)

OUT:

Kate McCarthy (delisted)
Tahlia Meyer (delisted)
Tilly Lucas-Rodd (expansion)
Cat Phillips (expansion)
Paige Price (delisted)
Isabella Shannon (delisted, study leave)
Jacqui Vogt (expansion)
Alana Woodward (delisted)