Tara Murray
The Western Bulldogs have suffered a blow with Bonnie Toogood indicating she wants to play elsewhere in the AFLW.
While the Bulldogs were keen to keep Toogood, the 24-year-old has confirmed she wants to join expansion club Essendon from next season.
Toogood, a premiership player, had played 37 games for the Bulldogs and was the club’s leading goal kicker this season.
Bulldogs’ general manager of women’s football Debbie Lee said it was frustrating to lose someone like Toogood.
“It’s obviously a very disappointing and unexpected outcome for us to lose a player and person of Bonnie’s calibre, especially considering the extensive amount of time and investment we have put into her football and personal development over her career with us,” she said.
“We’re in a difficult period in the AFLW’s evolution, where competition expansion means we’re exposed to losing key players, and we’re clearly not alone in this as the new teams establish themselves in the league.
“We’ve worked hard to create an environment which enables our players to flourish, both on and off the field, and we will continue to prioritise their development.
“In that context, while it remains incredibly frustrating to lose players during expansion periods, it’s also not surprising that our players continue to be targeted.”
Lee said the club’s focus remains on building a strong playing list which will give us the best chance to achieve on-field success in the coming years.
While Toogood is on the move, joint best and fairest winners Ellie Blackburn and Kirsty Lamb have recommitted to the club despite interest from other clubs.
