Essendon has confirmed its 30th and final AFLW list spot for 2025, bringing aboard their first ever rookie signing in professional rugby player Grace Brooker.

The 25-year-old's decision to join the Dons is a significant moment for both Club and individual, with Brooker's code switch a notable shift and a new challenge in what's already been a successful professional career.

Standing at 173cm tall, Brooker's strong frame and athletic versatility has served her well over the past eight years, with her experience spanning across elite teams including Canterbury, Matatu, and a recent season with Yokohama TKM in Japan.

Some of Brooker's notable achievements have come in the form of national appearances for the New Zealand Black Ferns, where she was the 214th player in history to be capped and a member of the first Black Ferns squad to be officially paid as professionals.

Raised in a rugby-dominated family, it was her father (himself a former rugby player with North Canterbury) who took a strong admiration to Aussie rules football and shared his love with Grace, proclaiming it to her as 'the greatest sport in the world'.

Brooker began to connect with individuals across the AFLW program including Senior Coach Natalie Wood when contemplating the move. Developing a strong relationship with Wood and the staff in general, Brooker was impressed with the level of care shown by the people around the NEC Hangar, who made her feel welcome from the get-go.

“My first conversation was with 'Woody', and I was amazed by her care. She was so passionate about helping me understand the landscape of AFLW, which I really appreciated," Brooker said.

“When my interest was expressed, (List and Recruiting Manager) Georgia Harvey and 'Woody' would call me up every month or so. It was very clear from the beginning that the management team were focused on taking care of me as a person, before anything else."

In Grace’s first ever group skills session, it was her power, strength and explosiveness that stood out. Alongside the support from the playing and coaching group at Essendon, it’s her family who have supported her in the big transition from rugby to footy. 

“When I received the list spot, my dad was super excited for me. We are both keen to see how the change from rugby to AFLW would challenges me," Brooker said.

“Mum always supports me in any decision I make, I can guarantee she will be over there on the sideline of Windy Hill in a heartbeat."

“I’ve met quite a few of the players already, their kindness and the overall energy of the group was extraordinary. I’m ready to put everything into getting cleaner with my skills, knowledge of the game and my fitness, and I can’t wait to get started."

Harvey acknowledged the excitement around the Club's inaugural rookie signing, with Brooker's intent to dive into a new challenge an early standout.

"We're really pleased to be able to bring Grace into our program. Not only is she a very exciting prospect for us as an athlete, but she also possesses great character and a real willingness to improve," Harvey said.

"Straight away, you could tell that Grace's endeavour really complements her physical talent. She's shown some really promising signs in her early sessions with us and there's plenty of scope for her in terms of continually picking up new elements of the game.

"This is a big move for her career and life in general. We're looking forward to welcoming her at the NEC Hangar and seeing her slot into the squad dynamic with our final list spot."

The Dons officially kick off their AFLW pre-season in May, with a season start slated for August.