Brisbane Lions AFLW midfielder Jamie Stanton and ruck Tahlia Randall will depart the Club to join North Melbourne as part of the expanded AFLW competition in 2019.

Both were founding members of the Lions team and played in the 2017 and 2018 AFLW Grand Finals.

“We know losing players is part of the expansion of our game and we wish them all the best in their careers at North,” Lions Women’s CEO Breanna Brock said.

North Melbourne and Geelong will both join the AFLW competition in 2019.

The expansion signing period commenced today and will continue until Monday, May 21.

Between these dates, only four players from any one club can transfer to the expansion clubs, unless agreed by the clubs and the AFL.

Geelong and North Melbourne can approach players, with the players’ 2018 clubs having the right to make a counter offer. The AFL will approve all player movements before a player is signed.

The Lions will announce player recommitments when the signing and trade period opens on May 23.