It means the iconic Harris,24,will need to find a third AFLW club to continue her career in 2022. She started the competition with the Brisbane Lions in 2017 before being traded to Carlton.
Saundry has started holding preliminary talks with other clubs ahead of the start of AFLW sign and trade period on May 31. That date was only confirmed by the AFL on Thursday.
Talks over a new deal for Harris were complicated by the fact there were divergences in opinion as to how she should be valued. She had endured a tough season,but was a three-time All-Australian and extremely marketable given her cross-sport appeal and the impact of her famous 2019 kick which was catapulted into cultural significance on the back of a photograph from Michael Willson.
AFLW’s tiered contract system provided challenges in fulfilling Harris’ requests,especially given the NGA role she had previously worked in with the club no longer exists because of COVID-19.
The Blues also had to be mindful of ensuring they managed what is a solid list but also continue to regenerate with youth,while they are relatively well-stocked for forwards even without Harris givenDarcy Vescio and Nicola Stevens formed the quinella in the club’s best and fairest last month.
Saundry confirmed the development toThe Ageon Thursday night.