THE 2021 AFLW Sign and Trade Period is upon us, officially kicking off today at midday.

With the competition restructure set to see the sixth AFLW season kick off in December, this period presents an opportunity to shore up lists and bring in new talent.

Carlton General Manager of Women’s Football Brett Munro spoke to Carlton Media on day one, previewing the Club’s goals for the period.

“We come into this period with 15 players already committed for what will be the 2021-22 season, so then our priority is to secure the rest of the list,” Munro said.

“You’re compelled to take three players in the draft, so we will do that. So that leaves 27 players to be re-contracted at the end of this period.

“So we’re just working through those players to do that as quickly as possible.”

For Munro, this period will be a balancing act between bolstering areas through player acquisition and securing a strong draft position.

“It’s always a balance. We’re certainly looking to shore up some areas,” he said.

“We’re looking for a creative player to play midfield and half back. We would like a little bit more experience - we’re a really young list and with Katie and Al finishing up we become a bit younger, so we would like a bit of experience in that spot as well.”

The 2020 trade period saw the Blues acquire six new players: Elise O’Dea, Maddy Guerin and Charlotte Hammans via trade and Mimi Hill, Daisy Walker and Winnie Laing through the draft.

With the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft date yet to be scheduled, Munro is keeping one eye towards to the top end talent available in the Vic Metro pool.

“In the draft we just look at best talent, particularly with our first pick we try to get as high a picks as possible. Top 10 players are where the talent is and it’s where we want to be.”