Inaugural Brisbane Lions AFLW forward Kaitlyn Ashmore has today informed the Club of her intentions to return home to Victoria and join North Melbourne for the 2019 season.

“Kaitlyn has been a part of this Club since day one, and we have been in contact with her since the end of the season and made every effort to keep her. It’s very disappointing to lose Kaitlyn,” Lions Women’s CEO Breanna Brock said.

“North Melbourne so aggressively targeting our players is a testament to what we have established up here. Having played in consecutive Grand Finals, it is clear Craig Starcevich and his assistants have built a system that gets the most out of its players.

"While it’s disappointing to lose a player of Kaitlyn’s ability, we look forward to welcoming and developing the next group of Lions players who are committed to our culture and improving every day.”

The Lions will announce player recommitments when the signing and trade period opens on May 23.