Goalkeeper Davey makes switch to AFL comp

W-League goalkeeper Brianna Davey will reportedly join Carlton as the AFL's new women's competition's first major cross-code recruitment coup.

The club has reached an in-principle agreement to recruit the former Matildas and Melbourne City stopper, offering her an off-field role at the club as a first step, Fairfax reports.

Davey played with W-League victors Melbourne City in its recent season, but opted to explore her options outside soccer last year after missing selection for the World Cup.

The 21-year-old cross-code star played for the Western Bulldogs in an exhibition match against Melbourne in 2015 before returning to Melbourne City.

The inaugural AFL women's league begins in 2017.