The Sydney Swans are poised to pull off an enormous AFLW coup, with superstar Chloe Molloy telling Collingwood she wants to join the rival expansion club.
The Magpies on Wednesday confirmed Molloy, a dual All-Australian and AFLW Rising Star winner, had informed Collingwood she would depart the club to take up a new opportunity with an interstate AFLW team “in pursuit of a new lifestyle”.
That club is Sydney, which can sign five players during the new AFLW ‘Priority Signing Period’ without having to strike a trade with a rival club as one of the four recent expansion clubs.
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Molloy’s move to the Swans is expected to be confirmed when the priority signing period for the Swans, Power, Bombers and Hawks is held between March 1 and March 8.
The 24-year-old burst onto the AFLW scene in 2018 as an electrict rebounding defender, claiming the competition’s rising star award, All-Australian honours and the Magpies’ best and fairest award.
She missed the 2019 season due to a foot injury, but returned as a dangerous forward in 2020. She’s booted 36 goals from 40 games across the past four seasons.
“Being drafted to Collingwood in 2017 was a dream that I still can’t believe came true,” Molloy wrote on Twitter. “To have a black and white guernsey to call my own, and create my own legacy in #2, is something I cherish beyond words. The club is part of my identity and always will be.
“Having spent a lot of time reflecting on my life, career and what I want to do next, I have made the bittersweet decision to move on from the Pies to begin a new chapter. It is a decision I have not taken lightly, and involves leaving what feels like a family behind.
“I can only thank all who have made my journey at Collingwood so positive, memorable and fun. Over the past five years, I have evolved into someone I am proud to be, and I will forever adore and appreciate those within the four walls who helped me to get here.
“To the mighty Magpie army, thank you for your support, loyalty and the cherished memories that we share. I am so proud of my time at Collingwood, and I appreciate sharing this experience with you.”
Molloy’s impending arrival looms as the first marquee signing for Sydney, which finished its first AFLW season with a 0-10 record.
“The Sydney Swans are in discussions with Chloe Molloy, who has indicated an interest in joining the Swans for the upcoming season,” a Sydney club statement read.
“We will continue working with Chloe and the AFL to bring her to Sydney through the mechanisms provided by the AFL.”
Pies AFLW boss Jess Burger said the club was disappointed to lose Molloy but paid tribute to the star and her contribution to the Magpies since 2018.
“Since being drafted to Collingwood, ‘Moy’ has been a valued member of our program,” Burger said.
“Over the past five years, Chloe has been a great ambassador for our club and the wider AFLW competition and it’s been great to watch her grow and develop as both a player and person over the course of that time.
“Not only has Chloe demonstrated outstanding talent on the field, but she has also made strong contributions off field including as an opposition analyst during her time on the sidelines with a Lisfranc injury in 2019.
“In this situation, we understand that she was interested in seeking an opportunity interstate in pursuit of a new lifestyle.
“Whilst we’re disappointed Chloe won’t be a part of the continued growth of our program, we are confident in the depth and talent of our playing list to ensure continued improvement in the 2023 season and beyond.”
Molloy is also an expert analyst with Fox Footy.
The Magpies, who can only lose two players to expansion teams during the priority signing period, could receive compensation for losing Molloy, although the league will determine that in the coming weeks.
Inaugural Magpies Jaimee Lambert and Steph Chiocci have also attracted interest from rival clubs.
