All Australians Courtney Gum, Alicia Eva, Jess Dal Pos and Erin McKinnon have put pen to paper on new one year deals, while captain Amanda Farrugia has also re-signed.

Their signatures see the GIANTS powerhouse midfield combine again next season in which the competition welcomes two new teams. 

Pepa Randall, who was named in the 40-woman All Australian squad, will return alongside fellow defenders Tanya Hetherington, Phoebe Monahan, and dual code representative Ellie Brush.

Inaugural marquee signing Emma Swanson will return for a third season in orange and charcoal while netball convert Elle Bennetts will continue her football career with the GIANTS.

Louise Stephenson and Aimee Schmidt will also return to the GIANTS in 2019 as the club looks to improve on their fourth-place finish in 2018.

The GIANTS can also confirm that AFL Women’s coach Alan McConnell will continue in the role for at least the next two seasons.

McConnell said the re-signings of a number of key players is a big positive for the club. 

“It’s great to have the nucleus of the team from last season recommit for 2019,” McConnell said.

“It’s a significant step forward for the club and a statement from the playing group that we have built something special here.

“They have committed to the club and the journey that we are on, which is to win a premiership."

Meanwhile, the GIANTS have also been involved in their first trade of the 2018 AFLW Trade Period with foundation GIANT Renee Forth and pick 31 headed to Adelaide in exchange for pick 19 in the 2018 NAB AFL Women's Draft.

Forth, alongside Emma Swanson, was one of the GIANTS' marquee signings in 2016 and after a serious knee injury ahead of the 2017 season, made her AFLW debut in round one, 2018 before going on to play five games in orange and charcoal.

"As an inaugural player Renee brought a wealth of experience and leadership to the club," McConnell said.

"While her impact on the field was limited by a knee injury in her first year here, her resilience and determination to return to the field was fantastic.

"We wish her all the best with her future at the Crows."

Under AFLW rules the GIANTS are allowed to sign up to 23  players before the NAB AFL Women’s Draft in October with the Signing and Trade period open until Monday, June 4 the same day that the Free Agency signing period opens.

GIANTS 2019 AFL Women’s List

Alicia Eva

Jess Dal Pos

Nicola Barr

Tanya Hetherington

Ellie Brush

Aimee Schmidt

Louise Stephenson

Emma Swanson

Amanda Farrugia

Pepa Randall

Elle Bennetts

Erin McKinnon

Courtney Gum

Phoebe Monahan 

The GIANTS hold picks 7, 19, 20, 42 and 53 in the 2018 NAB AFL Women’s Draft to be held in Melbourne in October.