The trade involving new Carlton recruit Tayla Harris was the biggest deal struck over the inaugural AFLW trade period, and now Harris has opened up and detailed why she made the move to the Blues.
Harris was involved in a massive four team, five player trade on Thursday, which saw her former club Brisbane as well as the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne involved.
The 20-year-old is one of the biggest names in women's football, and led her Lions to an unbeaten regular season and a home grand final, before unfortunately falling to Adelaide in the decider.
She decided toย move to Melbourne to change up her lifestyle and grow as a person off the field as well as on it, and said that playing in the heart of Aussie Rules football is something that excites her.
In an article she wrote exclusively for aflplayers.com.au,ย Harris said it was tough leaving the Lions, especially given her relationship with her coach.
"I wanted to tell Brisbaneโs coach,ย Craig Starcevic, myself when I made the decision. I have a really close relationship with Craig, heโs been there through youth girls programs and heโs such a great person," Harris wrote.
"When I called him, everything was going OK initially but three minutes in he asked me if I liked it at Brisbane and the waterworks started flowing as I tried to tell him it wasnโt Brisbane or anyoneโs fault.
"That was easily the hardest part. Not only to tell Craig I was leaving but to explain it in a way that ensured it wasnโt personal and that I appreciated everything Brisbane did for me."
After speaking to Starcevic, Harris now had to find her new home in Victoria, although there certainly wasn't a lack of interest.
The forward met with most clubs before eventually choosing the Blues, saying she felt right at home as soon as she met them.
"I met with a few Melbourne clubs but Carltonโs staff members, including coach Damian Keeping, gave off a really good first impression. I felt comfortable with them straight away and that was an important factor for me," Harris added.
"In terms of moving to Melbourne, I have experience living out of home, so it will be much the same except for the fact itโs 1,500km further away.
"Carlton has also expressed that returning to Brisbane for a period of time for any reason will be available to me. So I know I have those support networks in place, which adds a level of security when making the move south.
"I hope to move to Melbourne within the next few months. Iโm also aiming to pull on the boots for the St Kilda Sharks this coming winter and continue my boxing ventures when I find a gym."
