No.1 pick gives Pies upper hand in Davey talks
Collingwood’s woeful 2019 AFLW campaign could end up providing them with the upper hand in trade negotiations with Carlton for Brianna Davey.
The Blues skipper is understood to have told a shocked and angered Carlton that she is seriously entertaining a move to the Holden Centre despite coming off a season in which she captained her side to a grand final and shared best-and-fairest honours with youngster Madison Prespakis only days ago.
As of Saturday afternoon, Carlton had not tabled deals to the Magpies for a potential Davey trade as the versatile former Matildas goalkeeper was yet to formally request a trade to the Pies.
However, industry sources suggested that a trade request was a fait accompli.
Because Davey isn’t looking to move to an expansion club, she cannot merely walk to the Pies during the sign and trade period. In order for her to become a Magpie, a trade would need to be arranged, or she would have to join the Pies during the draft.
But Collingwood’s one-win wooden spoon season has left them with the No.1 selection in this year’s draft, meaning that Davey, 24, could theoretically be walked through to the draft and taken with the first selection later this year.
Both Carlton and Collingwood’s AFLW programs are in the midst of significant upheaval. The Pies are on the hunt for a new coach after the sacking of Wayne Siekman, while the Blues need a new head of women's football after Nicole Graves resigned recently.
It’s believed the Blues learnt of Davey’s potential move on Wednesday, the day before their best-and-fairest count. Davey was courted by the Pies last year before new coach Daniel Harford convinced her to remain at Carlton. While the Tier 1 salary for an AFLW player next year is $24,600 Davey stands to earn vastly more under an Additional Service Agreement.
The AFLW sign and trade period concludes on Thursday. Expansion clubs St Kilda and Richmond remain active in securing talent. It’s understood the Saints are set to announce the signature of North Melbourne’s Courteney Munn.