Richmond is delighted to welcome speedy forward Courtney Jones to the Swinburne Centre following a straight swap with the Gold Coast SUNS for Maddy Brancatisano.

Jones, 22, has topped her club’s goalkicking in the past two seasons, playing for Carlton in 2022 (Summer) and Gold Coast in Season 7.

The highly rated prospect was drafted as a wing player before breaking out in a forward role for the Blues, which was backed up throughout her recent season with the SUNS.

Richmond Head of Women’s Football Kate Sheahan said that Jones would be a welcome addition to the Tigers’ forward mix with her excellent forward craft, game sense, pace, and defensive pressure.

“We are thrilled to welcome Courtney to Richmond. She is an exciting up-and-coming forward that will add youth and enthusiasm to our front end,” Sheahan said.

“Courtney had a great time up on the Gold Coast but requested a trade back to Victoria due to factors outside of football, which we are pleased to have facilitated.

“We thank Gold Coast for their dealings and are happy to have found an amicable trade for both teams.

“Courtney is also a lifelong Tiger, so we are pumped to be able to help her live out a lifelong dream by coming to the Club.”

Brancatisano departs Richmond after 32 games across four seasons.

The inaugural AFLW Tiger originally joined the Club as an expansion signing from Melbourne, where she spent the 2019 season without featuring at senior level.

Brancatisano appeared eight times for Richmond in Season 7, including the Qualifying Final loss to Brisbane.

Sheahan thanked the 22-year-old for her contribution to Richmond.

“Maddy is looking to move up to Queensland for new opportunities on and off the field, which we understand,” she added.

“We thank her for her commitment and efforts across her four years at Richmond and wish her all the best for the future.”