CHLOE Dalton will return to rugby sevens at the conclusion of Carlton's AFLW season, with an eye on qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics.

The speedy midfielder/forward has impressed at the Blues, playing all nine games in 2019 (including the Grand Final) and kicking five goals. 

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Dalton, 26, already has an Olympic gold medal under her belt, having been successful at the 2016 Rio Games. 

It's not a complete farewell to Australian rules football, with Dalton (whose AFLW contract expires at the end of the 2020 season) keen to keep her options open for 2021.

"The honour of representing your country at an Olympic Games is an amazing opportunity and it's something that I am keen to put my hand up for over the next few months," Dalton said.

"I'd like to thank Carlton for their support in me pursuing the gold jersey and to John Manenti (Australia rugby sevens coach) and Scott Bowen (performance manager) for their faith in me in giving me this opportunity."

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Carlton's head of women's football, Ash Brown, wished Dalton well in her endeavours.

"Chloe has been a huge part of our program since arriving at the club in 2018 (VFLW season) and it has been a joy to watch her progression," Brown said.

"Thankfully, she gets to fulfil her role at the club during our 2020 campaign before heading off to Sydney to join the Australian Women's Rugby Sevens side. 

"We wish Chloe all the best in her quest for another Olympic gold medal and have no doubt she will make us proud."

In other news, Western Bulldogs utility Aisling Utri will sit out the 2020 AFLW season due to hockey commitments. 

The Blues also have two other former rugby sevens players on their books in Brooke Walker and new rookie Katie Harrison.

Utri, 21, has captained Australia's under-21 hockey team and wants to commit a full year to the sport. 

She is contracted at the Dogs till the end of 2021, keeping a door open for a return next year.