INAUGURAL Eagle Parris Laurie has announced a surprise retirement from AFLW.
The 27-year-old ruck has been a member of West Coast's leadership group for the past two years and has played every game possible for the Eagles.
She finished third in this year's best and fairest count, and is the fifth Eagle to retire this year following Melissa Caulfield, Courtney Guard, Andrea Gilmore and Tayla Bresland.
Laurie started her AFLW career with Fremantle, playing eight games in her debut AFLW season in 2019 before crossing to West Coast.
She retires with 33 games to her name, having been selected with pick No.50 in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft from Claremont.
The Eagles will be relying on 19-year-old Sarah Lakay to shoulder the ruck load in the upcoming season, with NAB AFLW Academy member Lauren Wakfer also in the draft pool.
"I absolutely loved being a part of the inaugural Eagles side and it's something I'll remember forever, it was like a fairytale," Laurie said.
"It was so special and we celebrated so many firsts together, including our first win which was my favourite memory at the footy club.
"The last couple of seasons have also been unreal, it's an amazing club to be a part of and a fantastic group of girls."
The Eagles – having won four of their 25 games over three years – have received a special assistance package and are allowed to sign four mature-age state league players in the current Sign and Trade Period.
THE CLASS OF 2022: AFLW RETIREES
- Danielle Higgins (Geelong)
- Katie Loynes (GWS)
- Tayla Bresland (West Coast)
- Melissa Caulfield (West Coast)
- Andrea Gilmore (West Coast)
- Courtney Guard (West Coast)
- Parris Laurie (West Coast)
- Ash Guest (Western Bulldogs)
- Hannah Scott (Western Bulldogs)
