Western Bulldogs premiership forward Brooke Lochland has departed the Club, signing with AFLW expansion side the Sydney Swans.

The 31-year-old played 35 games for the Bulldogs, including the 2018 Grand Final, since arriving with pick 53 in the 2016 AFLW draft.

“I’m incredibly sad to say goodbye to the Bulldogs - to leave as a premiership player after six seasons and 35 games is more than I could have hoped for when I first came to the Club back in 2016,” Lochland said.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone who supported me along my journey. Thank you is not enough!

“It is a bittersweet feeling to be moving clubs, but I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life in Sydney with a great job opportunity and the chance to build a life for myself post-football.”

Bulldogs’ General Manager of Women’s Football, Debbie Lee, said: “It is obviously disappointing to lose someone like Brooke, who has been such a strong contributor and leader for us.

“As one of our inaugural Bulldogs, she played a key role in helping us lay the foundations for our team. She is the ultimate professional both on and off the field.

“As I’ve said before, being at this stage of the AFLW’s evolution means we’re exposed to losing key players as new teams establish themselves in the league. In that context, while it remains frustrating to lose players we’ve put time and investment into, it’s also not surprising that our players continue to be targeted.”

Lochland enjoyed a breakout season in 2018, claiming the Club and league leading goalkicker awards plus an All-Australian nod, and she also holds the record for most goals kicked in an AFLW match (seven).

She was elevated to the Bulldogs’ vice-captaincy in 2020; a role which she served for three seasons.