Western Bulldogs off-season recruit Richelle Cranston and ruck Celine Moody have been named in AFL New Zealand’s inaugural women’s heritage team.

Cranston was selected at full-back, while Moody features on the interchange bench in the team of 20.

In order to qualify for selection, either the players themselves or one of their parents must have been born in New Zealand.

Cranston’s parents, and Moody’s mother, were born in New Zealand.

The team is made up of past and present AFLW players, with two locals – Killarney Morey and Jolyn Collins – also selected, having both represented Tasmania at under-18 level as part of an alliance.

Other current AFLW players include Jasmine Garner, Stevie-Lee Thompson, Lauren Pearce and Breann Moody.

AFLNZ has previously released men's heritage teams, but 2021 marked the first time enough players of New Zealand heritage were in the AFLW ranks.