Western Bulldogs forward Isabel Huntington has informed the Club of her wish to explore a move to the GWS Giants.

Huntington, who is recovering from an ACL injury, has played 20 games for the Bulldogs since joining the Club as the number one pick in the 2017 NAB AFLW Draft.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout 2020 season, winning the Club Best and Fairest, the AFLW Rising Star Award and achieving All-Australian selection.

“It’s disappointing for us to lose someone like Izzy, who has been a strong performer on field and an established leader off it, and with such a bright future as a player ahead of her” said Bulldogs’ General Manager of Women’s Football, Debbie Lee.

“We fully understand Izzy’s need to move to Sydney for education and non-football related reasons, and we wish her well as she embarks the next stage on her football journey.

“Given Izzy’s standing in the game, her achievements to date and the Club’s investment in her development, we’ll work hard to ensure we are appropriately compensated through the AFLW’s player movement structure.”

The Club will enter discussions with Huntington’s management in the lead-up to the 2022 Sign and Trade Period.

“Requesting a move from the Doggies has been an incredibly difficult decision and one that has taken very careful consideration,” Huntington said.

“Ultimately, the decision to move is not football related, however. Having recently begun the long rehab process for my third ACL injury, in combination with the current part-time nature of the competition, it’s become increasingly clear to me that I can’t make life decisions solely based on football. With the opportunity to progress my studies and off-field work interstate, it is the right move for me at this time.

“I have absolutely adored my time at the Bulldogs across the past five years.  I couldn’t be more thankful for what they have done for me and the connections I have built there.  Pulling on the jumper 20 times with my teammates was an honour, and being involved in off-field endeavours such as working with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation was equally memorable.

“I am saddened to leave behind such a wonderful club and group of people within it, but I’m very grateful for their genuine support for me as a person, not just a footballer.  The care I have received from the staff and my teammates throughout my journey here has been unbelievable and I will be eternally grateful for their support.”