Irish defender Aileen Gilroy has left North Melbourne for AFLW expansion team Hawthorn just weeks after informing the Kangaroos she would recommit for next season.
The surprise move came on the final day of the expansion signing period, when Sydney picked up Collingwood forward Aliesha Newman and Western Bulldogs defender Ellyse Gamble joined Essendon.
Gilroy finished in the top 10 of North Melbourne's best-and-fairest count but will now join the Hawks for their debut campaign under Bec Goddard.
The 29-year-old, who was a Gaelic football star with Mayo, played 28 games in three seasons with the Kangaroos.
"Aileen is one of the premier defenders in the AFLW and we're thrilled to have her in the brown and gold in season seven," Hawks list manager Mitchell Cashion said.
"She has grown in leaps and bounds since entering the competition as a rookie in 2019 and we can't wait to see her continue to develop her game under Bec Goddard's leadership.
"The standards and expectations Aileen provides will be really important to the growth of our group."
Collingwood speedster Newman joins Sydney after two seasons with the Magpies, having spent the previous four at Melbourne.
"We are thrilled to welcome Aliesha to the Swans," Swans AFLW manager Kate Mahony said.
"Aliesha not only brings with her a lot of experience, but also high training standards, which is crucial to building success in a new team."
Sydney also announced the signings of academy graduate Kiara Beesley and versatile tall Lexi Hamilton, who has played with AFLW rivals Gold Coast and North Melbourne.
Gamble was a foundation Bulldogs player and managed 24 games with the club, forming a reputation as a strong intercepting defender.
The 24-year-old adds experience to Essendon's inaugural list.
"Not only have we had a group of high-quality players commit to Essendon, but they are also high-calibre people who will set the program's culture for years to come," Bombers football manager Josh Mahoney said.
"Ellyse is another player who will bring AFLW experience and provide leadership and guidance to her fellow teammates."
Meanwhile, Brisbane have delisted premiership player Jess Wuetschner.
Wuetschner was a two-time Brisbane leading goal-kicker, a 2018 All-Australian and a member of the Lions' 2021 flag-winning team.
