The Western Bulldogs have further strengthened their 2019 NAB AFLW Draft position, acquiring another two top-10 picks in exchange for forward/midfielder Emma Mackie and defender Libby Birch.

In a trade with expansion club St Kilda, the Bulldogs secured pick 9 for Mackie, with the Saints receiving the Dogs’ selections 24 and 30.

Birch has been traded to Melbourne along with pick 77, in exchange for picks 8 and 48, while hard-running defender/midfielder Ashleigh Guest will cross to VU Whitten Oval.

Forward Kate Bartlett has also been traded to expansion club West Coast, in exchange for pick 90. 

Guest, who recently turned 29, represented the Western Bulldogs in the 2019 VFLW season and has played 18 AFLW games over three seasons - the last two with the Demons, after representing GWS in the inaugural women’s season.

“I was involved in the Bulldogs’ VFLW program last year and saw how much time and investment goes into women’s footy at the Club, so it was a no brainer for me to head to the Western Bulldogs,” Guest told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“I am most looking forward to getting stuck into pre-season and helping build a really successful team.”

The Bulldogs are now in a strong position for the 2019 Draft, currently holding four selections inside the top 10, including the number one pick, which was secured in a trade with Richmond for midfielder Monique Conti.

“We are really pleased with the outcome of our trade deals over the past two days.  It’s a great result for the Club.” said Western Bulldogs General Manager of Women’s Football, Debbie Lee.

“It is very exciting for our Club and our players to now have the opportunity to select from the best talented young players coming through the talent pathways, with four top-10 picks.

“This will provide us with a great opportunity to rebuild our list following consecutive years of competition expansion, and we can’t wait for the new young talent to be drafted.” 

As it stands, the Club holds 2019 NAB AFLW Draft selections 1,6, 8, 9, 47, 48, 62 and 90.