Essendon have continued their AFLW recruiting blitz, luring gun forward Bonnie Toogood away from the Western Bulldogs ahead of their inaugural season.
Two days after announcing they'd enticed star duo Madison Prespakis and Georgia Gee away from Carlton, the Bombers confirmed Toogood planned to join them.
Toogood has booted 29 goals in 37 games, all for the Bulldogs, including winning the 2018 premiership.
The 24-year-old kicked 10 goals this season as the Bulldogs' leading goalkicker, and averaged 3.5 marks and 3.7 score involvements.
The Bulldogs lamented Toogood's departure, which follows Izzy Huntington requesting a trade to GWS, though skipper Ellie Blackburn and gun midfielder Kirsty Lamb are staying put.
"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," Bulldogs AFLW boss Debbie Lee said.
"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."
Essendon hailed Toogood as a player who could spearhead their inaugural forward line.
"Bonnie is a versatile forward who will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to our team," Essendon AFLW contract manager Georgia Harvey said.
"She is a player who has a lot of potential and we look forward to continuing her development at our football club. Bonnie will be an integral part of our team."
