Western Bulldogs forward Bonnie Toogood has informed the Club of her wish to explore a move to the Essendon Football Club.

The Club’s strong preference was to retain Toogood, however the 24-year-old confirmed her decision to join the expansion side for season seven of the NAB AFLW competition.

“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,” said General Manager of Women’s Football, Debbie Lee.

“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.

“Our focus remains on building a strong playing list which will give us the best chance to achieve on-field success in the coming years.”

Toogood has played 37 games for the Bulldogs, including the 2018 Premiership, since joining the Club as a rookie selection in the 2017 AFLW rookie draft.

She was the Bulldogs’ leading goalkicker this season with 10 majors, and claimed back-to-back Community Awards for her involvement in the Club’s Community Foundation programs.

Despite overtures made by other clubs to attract the Bulldogs’ joint Best and Fairest winners Ellie Blackburn and Kirsty Lamb, the pair announced last week they were committed to the Club.