The Western Bulldogs have signed free agent Richelle ‘Rocky’ Cranston during the 2021 AFLW Sign and Trade period.

Cranston was delisted by Geelong this month, with the Bulldogs pouncing on the powerful forward/midfielder on Friday afternoon.

The 31-year-old began her professional career with Melbourne in the inaugural AFLW season, playing 13 games after being taken with pick 24 in the 2016 AFLW Draft.

She then accepted an offer to join expansion club Geelong for the 2019 season, where she added another 21 senior games to her tally across three years.

She featured in every game this season, kicking five goals from her time up forward.

Funnily enough, it won’t be her first time pulling on the red, white and blue – she represented the Bulldogs on three occasions during the 2016 AFL Women’s exhibition games.

Bulldogs’ Head of List Management and Recruiting, Mick Sandry, said it was pleasing to be able to secure Cranston and welcome her back to the Kennel. 

“’Rocky’ is an experienced footballer, who we see being able to play forward and through our midfield,” Sandry said.

“She is fierce at the contest and her strength and work at ground level are hallmarks of her game. She has the ability to get long range with her kicking and knows how to find the goals.”

The Bulldogs have had 25 players recommit to the Club ahead of the upcoming 2021-22 AFLW season.

The Club has also added former GWS Giant Elle Bennetts to their list, while strengthening their draft hand with picks 13, 15, 17 and 26 in the Victorian draft pool.