AFLW legend Erin Phillips has pulled off her first big move as Gold Coast football boss, luring Adelaide superstar Anne Hatchard to the Suns in a bombshell trade.
Phillips and Hatchard, two of the best players in the Crows' AFLW history, will reunite as they attempt to turn the wooden spooner Suns into finals contenders.
Four-time All-Australian and three-time Adelaide best-and-fairest Hatchard departs the Crows after three premierships.
The Suns parted with picks four and 38, as well as their 2026 first-round selection in exchange for Hatchard and picks 14, 21 and 32.
Phillips was in November appointed Gold Coast's football boss.
"I've enjoyed 10 great seasons at the Crows, winning the ultimate prize and creating lifelong memories and friendships, but I'm thrilled to be starting this exciting new chapter on the Gold Coast," Hatchard said.
"I have always admired the lifestyle on the Gold Coast - it's a place my wife Georgie and I have always enjoyed visiting, and I'm looking forward to now calling it home.
"The chance to re-unite with Erin Phillips is exciting too.
"Having grown up as a basketballer and playing much of my football career alongside her, I've always held her in such high regard and the chance to play under the guidance of both Erin and (Suns coach) Rhyce Shaw is something that I'm really looking forward to."
Shaw was delighted to have landed one of the best players in the competition.
"With more than 100 AFLW games under her belt and a remarkable list of achievements across the journey, her experience is a fantastic addition to our squad," he said.
"Most importantly, she's got the hunger and drive to keep getting better, to continue winning and help our club take the next steps forward."
It was a busy Sunday for the Suns, who traded Lauren Bella and Claudia Whitfort to Carlton.
Bella played 69 games for the Suns - a club record for AFLW - and Whitford featured in 43 matches, taking club champion honours in 2023.
Gold Coast also gave up their prized No.1 pick, sending it plus pick 56 and a future third-round selection to Richmond for picks four and 22.
The Suns needed picks to secure Hatchard and their incoming academy talent in this year's draft.
