The Brisbane Lions have ended the AFL Women's sign and trade period by securing some of the best talent in the competition. 

The Lions locked in 18 players from their inaugural 2017 list as well as signing Blues pair Isabella Ayre and Nat Exon in exchange for Tayla Harris who was traded to Carlton.

“Retaining those 18 players was really important,” said Women’s Coach Craig Starcevich.

“They all played in our grand final team. We always thought we had the nucleus of a really strong group and nothing has changed there.

“Nat Exon played five matches for the Blues before breaking her ankle in Carlton’s Round 5 loss to the Western Bulldogs, ending her 2017 season. Her elite outside run and kicking ability will strengthen the Lions’ midfield.

“Nat coming in as a speedy halfback, going through the midfield or even playing up forward as a small, quick forward – I think it will add a lot to our group where we’ve got some good run and pace there already.

“You can’t have too many of those,” said Starcevich.

Touted as one of the competition’s most promising youngsters, Isabella Ayre’s breakout performance against Melbourne in Round 4 put her on the radar. She kicked two final-quarter goals as the Blues fell short of the Demons by just six-points.

“To have another key forward come into our group and fill that void and develop her skills – it will continue to make us very strong down in the forward line,” said Starcevich.

Among the 18 Lions to re-sign was Best and Fairest winner Emily Bates, Captain Emma Zielke and forward Sabrina Frederick-Traub. Key defender Leah Kaslar, Kaitlyn Ashmore and Kate McCarthy also recommitted to the Club.

Selina Goodman, Shaleise Law, Caitlin Collins, Jade Ransfield, Kate Deegan, Delissa Kimmince, Jordan Membrey and Nikki Wallace were delisted at season’s end.

“They’ll go back to the QWAFL and keep improving. They’re not without a chance of getting onto our list later in the year,” said Starcevich.

Starcevich said the Lions will be looking to add to their ruck stocks ahead of the Free Agency, Rookie selections and AFL Women’s Draft period with 10 spots available on the Club’s list.

“It’s going to be quite tricky how we fill those spots because we have a particularly strong under 18 Queensland group this year,” said Starcevich.

“We need to look to the future there and make sure we offer some places to those players. Equally so we’re seeing some players bob up in the QWAFL that are pressing their claims.

“We’re always on the search for a rookie from another sport that might add something to our group as well – particularly in the ruck category.”