The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have secured key forward Kate Shierlaw on day one of the 2023 AFLW Sign and Trade Period.

The 34-year-old joins the club following a standout AFLW Season 7 campaign, which saw her kick 13 goals for St Kilda, win her maiden best and fairest and take a place in the All-Australian squad. 

North Melbourne AFLW football performance and talent manager Rhys Harwood said the club was “rapt” to land a player like Shierlaw.

“Kate’s record at AFLW level speaks for itself, coming off a stellar Season 7,” he said.

“She has a great combination of aerial presence and athletic ability, which will add to our forward system. She has also shown the capacity to play in all three zones, offering more flexibility to our squad. 

“Above all, Kate is a fantastic person who we know will drive high standards. We can’t wait to welcome her into the club.”

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Shierlaw started her AFLW career at Carlton, debuting in Round 2 of the competition’s inaugural season in 2017. She joined St Kilda in 2020 as an expansion signing and has played 44 games across the two clubs. 

North Melbourne secured Shierlaw as part of a three-way deal with St Kilda and Collingwood. The deal sees North Melbourne midfielder Grace Campbell depart for Collingwood, along with Pick 15 in the upcoming AFLW Season 8 Supplementary Draft.

Campbell played 18 games over three seasons at North Melbourne.

“Grace has given her all to the program since arriving at Arden St. She has been a popular member of our playing group, and her competitive nature has been a real asset to us,” Harwood said. 

“We thank her for her contribution to the club and wish her all the best in her next chapter at Collingwood.”