The Essendon Football Club has today announced AFLW players Eloise Ashley-Cooper, Caitlin Sargent, Jorja Borg, Megan Ryan and Federica Frew would not be offered contracts for the 2023 season.
Ashley-Cooper was an integral part of the Bombers’ 2022 VFLW Premiership side, with the 20-year-old earning an AFLW spot off the back of three successful years at state league level, however, she spent the AFLW season on the sidelines due to a season-ending foot injury.
Borg also was ruled out of season seven after suffering a foot injury in Essendon’s practice match against Port Adelaide and was moved to the inactive list ahead of round one.
Frew was also a VFLW Premiership-winning Bomber who was elevated to the AFLW side. The 26-year-old debuted in the Bombers’ round one victory over the Hawks and played six games.
Sargent committed to the Bombers as an open-age player ahead of their inaugural year but couldn’t break into the AFLW side.
Ryan signed with Essendon as an injury replacement player follow Borg’s injury and went on to make her debut in round five against Collingwood, going on to play two games.
Head of AFLW Aysha Ward thanked the five players for their contribution to the Bombers’ inaugural year.
“I would like to thank Eloise, Caitlin, Jorja, Megan and Federica for their investment and dedication throughout our first AFLW season,” Ward said.
“Each player has all influenced the foundations we have built at the club in our inaugural season.”
