AS THE end of the season approaches, a number of club stalwarts and inaugural AFLW players are drawing their careers to a close.
This piece will be updated as players announce their retirements
HANNAH DUNN (Port Adelaide)
A former skipper with Gold Coast, Dunn hangs up the boots after 45 games at Port Adelaide, the Suns and GWS.
The tenacious lockdown defender sat out the 2024 season, giving birth to her first child, son Oliver.
Dunn played all 20 games in the Power's first two seasons, and played a crucial role in setting standards and culture for the young group.
She played in the very first round of the NAB AFLW in 2017, lining up for the Giants, before rejoining an AFLW list with the Suns in 2020.
"I would have loved to keep playing and feel like I probably have a bit more in me, but it was going to prove difficult logistically with Oliver and my husband's business being interstate," Dunn said.
"In saying that, this has been one of the most rewarding and unforgettable chapters of my life. I'm very grateful that I was given the opportunity to play at the highest level. It's been an absolute privilege to play with and against so many talented players.
"The club has done an excellent job to create a program and an environment that sets its players up for success.
"While it was hard not playing this year, it has probably made the transition to retirement a bit easier. It was so good to see all the hard work pay off for the girls. They put in so much over the off season and this year's performance was a result of that work. I can't wait to see what the group can achieve next year and beyond."
DENI VARNHAGEN (Adelaide)
Inaugural Crow Varnhagen has called time on her career.
A two-time premiership winger/defender, Varnhagen was a strong runner who provided plenty of support out of the contest, and was a fierce one-on-one opponent.
Varnhagen sat out the first season of 2022 due to the AFL's vaccination policy, and also missed season seven, giving birth to daughter Hali.
She retires with 38 games to her name, over seven active seasons.
"I'm really honoured to have been a part of the AFLW from the inaugural season and proud to have been a one-club player," Varnhagen said.
"I will cherish the memories of our first two premierships forever, in particular when we had 53,000 fans at Adelaide Oval in 2019, it was a historic day for women's sport and it still gives me goosebumps when I look back.
"As much as I wish I was 23 and had another 10 years ahead of me, it's time to focus on my family and we're really excited for what's to come."
OLIVIA LEVICKI (Port Adelaide)
Integral Port tall Levicki has retired from elite sport, having played 25 AFLW games and an impressive 188 WNBL matches in her sporting career.
Levicki was scouted by none other than Erin Phillips, the champion convincing Levicki to make the switch to the Power for the club's first AFLW season.
She has played a vital role in supporting Matilda Scholz in the ruck, and filling gaps in attack, the 31-year-old only missing one game this year.
"I have been playing sport professionally for 16 years and for the most part it has been as a basketballer," Levicki said.
"But to have played three seasons as an AFLW player for this incredible club, I could not be prouder.
"Crossing codes comes with challenges but I hope my contribution as an inaugural player has helped the club on its path towards the ultimate success."
AISHLING SHERIDAN (Collingwood)
After being listed as inactive for the 2024 season, tough midfielder Aishling Sheridan has chosen to stay in Ireland to remain close to family, retiring from the AFLW.
A star in her County of Cavan, playing Gaelic football, Sheridan first came to the Australian game playing for the NT Thunder in its VFLW stint in 2019 before signing with the Pies. She went on to play 47 games across the 2020-2023 seasons.
"It's never easy to say goodbye, especially to someone who has been such a key part of our program," Collingwood head of football Jess Burger said.
"We are more than understanding and acknowledge the difficulties of moving away from her loved ones and support her decision to remain in Ireland. We wish Ash and her family all the best with her future endeavours."
MADDY KERYK (Port Adelaide)
One of the AFLW's inaugural players, Maddy Keryk has hung up the boots after 56 games over nine seasons.
First signed to Carlton with pick No.115 in the inaugural Telstra AFLW Draft, Keryk played under Power coach Lauren Arnell, before moving to Geelong when it joined the League in 2019.
Keryk ultimately landed at Port Adelaide in 2023 via trade.
"I'm very grateful to have been able to play in the AFLW from literally the first match," Keryk said.
"It's incredible to see how far the game has come in just nine seasons and the impact it has in the community with so many more opportunities for young girls and women to play.
"I feel so fortunate to have been able to play at Carlton, Geelong and most recently at Port Adelaide – all great clubs, where I've met a lot of great people and made great memories along the way.
"It's been amazing to be part of the early years at Port Adelaide and to see the reward starting to come for the work we've put in to building a culture and a group that will take the club forward.
"I'll miss running out with the girls, but I'm excited for what’s next in my future."
ANGE FOLEY (Port Adelaide)
Port Adelaide's inaugural vice-captain has called time on her AFLW career after 73 games across both South Australian clubs.
Foley's experience and knowledge were crucial in laying the foundations at Alberton Oval, leading the way for Port Adelaide's young brigade.
The 35-year-old has played nine seasons at the top level, winning two premierships during her time at Adelaide.
Her booming kick and strong work ethic were notable aspects to her game, and she has left a lasting impression on the women's footy landscape.
"I am so grateful for my time at the Port Adelaide and Adelaide Football Clubs," Foley said.
"To retire a Port Adelaide player after a fantastic year is a real honour. I'm proud of what we achieved as a group and I know the future is bright for this team, with the belief and depth of talent coming through.
"The Port Adelaide fans have been incredible and have been behind us every step of the way. I'm excited to join them on the sidelines next year and watch a game or two from the Precinct deck.
"I've been extremely lucky to have the experiences I've had and the friendships I've made across both clubs will stay with me forever."
KATE LUTKINS (Brisbane)
The inaugural Lion has retired after 52 games, having made her debut in Brisbane's first AFLW match.
Lutkins missed most of season six, 2022 with a torn ACL, making a remarkable comeback for the second half of the second season that year.
The 36-year-old sat out last year, bringing baby daughter Riley along to witness Brisbane's premiership triumph, before playing two games at the start of this season to round out her career.
A sterling key back who read the play beautifully, Lutkins retires as a three-time All-Australian, premiership player and the winner of the 2021 best on ground medal for that year's decider.
"We've lived the journey alongside Kate for the last nine years, watching her become not only an amazing footballer but a partner and now a mum has been incredible," coach Craig Starcevich said.
"What Kate has done this season to mentor the young kids and others is a testament to her character to be such a good influence on this group.
"She will forever be remembered for her heroics on GF Day in 2021, which is indicative of all she has given to our club. We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life."
MIKAYLA MORRISON (Fremantle)
Having successfully returned from her second knee reconstruction this year, the young Fremantle forward has called time on her career.
Morrison, just 22, played seven games over five seasons after starring for Western Australia's under-18 side as a dangerous small forward.
She kicked three goals against Carlton in her second AFLW game (season six, 2022), but ruptured the ACLs in both knees in the following seasons, with 973 days between games.
"'Morro' is an exquisitely skilled footballer who unfortunately endured injuries that impacted her ability to play the game she loves, however her influence off the field has been immense," Fremantle head of AFLW Claire Heffernan said.
"As a young Indigenous (Noongar, Yamatji and Kija) woman, she has shared so much of her culture and has helped educate and connect the playing group and AFLW program during her time at Fremantle.
"'Morro' has shown grace and tenacity in the face of adversity, particularly after returning to play after such an extensive time in rehab.
"She will leave an indelible mark on the program and will always be part of the Freo family."
TAMARA LUKE (Richmond)
It's technically a third retirement for Luke, who pulled the pin on her AFLW career with Hawthorn last year, before hanging up her VFLW boots a few months ago.
A late season-ending ACL injury to Richmond ruck Montana McKinnon saw a phone call head Luke's way, who had finished her VFLW season in excellent form.
Luke added a further seven games to take her career tally to 22 games, having started at St Kilda in 2020, retiring for good as a respected ruck at the age of 36.
"Took a 14-week vacation from retirement…it was pretty awesome!" Luke wrote on her Instagram account.
"Have loved every minute of training, games and meeting the fans whilst a part of the Tigers family. Signing out FOREVER! Byeeee footy."
ANNISE BRADFIELD (GWS)
The 21-year-old has called a premature end to her AFLW career, citing a chronic knee injury.
A top-10 selection for Gold Coast in the 2020 Telstra AFLW Draft, serious injuries have stymied Bradfield's short journey, including a torn ACL and a Lisfranc issue which ruled the powerful midfielder out of her first season at the Giants, 2022 (season seven).
She finally made her GWS debut in week five this year after 735 days on the sidelines, and retires with eight games to her name.
"Injuries are shit. The ongoing 'one step forward, two steps back', the long-term chronic effects and the burnout slowly take a toll. As elite athletes we make so many sacrifices. It consumes us," Bradfield wrote on her Instagram account.
"Important conversations with important people made me realise my tunnel vision.
"When the future consequences of my injuries were revealed, it showed me what is most important. I’m so young and have a whole other life to live. My body has told me it is time to medically retire, and I have listened.
"Thank you to GWS and Gold Coast for giving me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream, and to the teammates that have become family."
SIMONE NALDER (St Kilda)
The veteran ruck has rounded out her AFLW career, retiring after 22 games over three seasons.
Nalder, 34, had a previous sporting career as a netballer, playing for the AIS, Vic Fury and Canberra Darters, before starting football with Essendon's VFLW side ahead of the Bombers' first season in 2018.
She has formed part of St Kilda's three-pronged ruck division this year, mentoring the younger Rene Caris and Emmelie Fiedler.
"Sim has been a much-loved part of our team since she first arrived at the club. We’ve valued her leadership capabilities and strength in leading our ruck stocks over the past three seasons," St Kilda head of AFLW Tessie McManus said.
"Sim leaves knowing that she and her husband Jackson will always be part of the St Kilda family."
STEPH CHIOCCI (St Kilda)
The veteran made the wing her own over the years, captaining Collingwood for seven seasons before making the switch to St Kilda to round out her career.
Turning 36 at the end of the year, Chiocci didn't play a game this season as she continued her recovery from a torn ACL, but had a marked off-field impact for the Saints.
A VWFL star with Diamond Creek before the introduction of the AFLW, Chiocci hangs up the boots with 61 AFLW games to her name, and has been a vocal advocate for mental health over the years.
"Steph has had a momentous impact on our playing group and the entire club in such a short period of time," St Kilda EGM AFLW Tessie McManus said.
"A natural-born leader who has been a pioneer for our competition since before its inception, we can’t thank Steph enough for what she’s contributed to the game both on and off the field.
"Steph will always be remembered as an approachable teammate who shared genuine care and admiration for everyone she played alongside."
RHI WATT (Melbourne)
A much-loved teammate at Melbourne, St Kilda and Carlton, former elite volleyballer Watt announced her retirement in her own imitable style, during a mid-match interview in week 10.
Watt was drafted to the Blues ahead of the 2019 season at the age of 31, off the back of just one VFLW season with the Southern Saints.
She played a collective 37 games – mostly in the ruck, with the occasional stint in defence – across her three clubs, overcoming a torn ACL in that time, and won plenty of fans for her outgoing and open chats on the sidelines.
"Rhi is the ultimate teammate – selfless both on and off the field," Melbourne head of AFLW Jessie Mulholland said.
"We can’t thank her enough for what’s she’s brought to our program over the last three seasons.
"Her generosity, humour, talent, and tenacity have enriched our team, and she’ll be deeply missed.
"We wish Rhi and her wife, Bel, all the best in whatever comes next."
BROOKE LOCHLAND (Sydney)
Foundation AFLW player Brooke Lochland will play her final match this weekend.
The 33-year-old still holds the record for most goals scored in an AFLW match, booting seven against Carlton in 2018.
She was part of the Western Bulldogs' premiership side that same year, moving up to Sydney as a co-captain of the Swans' first AFLW team in season seven, 2022.
Lochland started her sporting career as an international inline skater, retiring after missing selection for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
She was selected by the Dogs with pick No.53 in the inaugural AFLW Draft, and will hang up the boots with 64 games to her name, playing through the midfield, on the wing and as a small forward.
"Never did this six-year-old who went to Auskick with the boys in her Bombers jumper with her childhood hero James Hird's No.5 on the back ever think that she would be drafted to an AFL club one day," Lochland said.
"I am incredibly proud of all that I've achieved. Not many people get to say they have competed at the highest level in three different sports for over 20 years and travelled the world doing it.
"I stand here knowing that I've given my heart and soul to two clubs over nine seasons and to be able to leave the game as a premiership player is something that no one can ever take away from me.
"I will miss the feeling of running out in the red and white jumper every week with the girls who I now get to call my sisters.
"The game has given me some of the best years of my life that I will cherish forever. I am excited for what’s next and for the next chapter of my life."
STACEY LIVINGSTONE (Collingwood)
Collingwood stalwart and inaugural AFLW player Stacey Livingstone has finally called an end to her career, retiring at 36.
A fixture on the last line of defence since game one of round one, 2017, Livingstone will retire with 77 games to her name this weekend.
She was named in the All-Australian squad in 2021, and is a much-loved figure around Collingwood, with her booming voice and enthusiasm audible on the field as she directed traffic and supported teammates.
Livingstone kicked her first AFLW goal earlier this year.
"It's hard to say goodbye to Stacey, whose impact on the program is immeasurable," Collingwood head of footy Jess Burger said.
"She is arguably one of the hardest working people in football, having kept up her day job as a forklift driver, working up to eight-hour shifts before training in the formative years of her football career.
"We thank Stacey for her leadership and passion and for shaping the team in many ways."
EVIE GOOCH (West Coast)
Tough defender Evie Gooch has hung up the boots after a strong career in Western Australia.
The former soccer star made the transition to top-level footy for the 2018 season, joining Fremantle with pick No.10 in the 2017 Draft.
A stalwart full-back, Gooch will hang up the boots at age 29, having already carved out a stellar career as a firefighter while playing footy.
She played 23 games for Fremantle, before recording another 20 at West Coast, with injuries stymying her time at the Eagles, also working as a development coach in season seven of 2022.
"I’m really proud of my career, and I think that it was more than just a footy career," Gooch said.
"I’m really grateful to be in the position where I was able to help the AFLW get to where it is now, and hopefully it grows even further from here.
"Our strength and conditioning staff, Wes (Salisbury), and the head physio ‘Yippy’ (Rebecca Yip), they really helped with balancing my footy and my firefighter career outside of that.
"Knowing that I had to leave work early to get to training and vice versa, and fitting in sessions around that, they were a huge support."
JESS DAL POS (Carlton)
AFLW pioneer Jess Dal Pos has called time on her incredible career spanning two clubs.
The 31-year-old has played in every season since the inception of the competition, playing 69 games across stints at Carlton and Greater Western Sydney.
A ferocious forward, Dal Pos started her career at the Giants and earned All-Australian honours in 2017, as well as the club's best and fairest in the same year.
Dal Pos' leadership shone through after crossing to Carlton at the end of the 2021 season.
She was named co-vice-captain in 2022 and 2023, and transitioned into a player-coach this season.
"Ever since joining the Blues, I have felt so welcomed and loved by the incredible supporters: throughout my injuries last year, the thought of playing in front of the Carlton fans was something that drove me to work hard and get my body right," Dal Pos said.
"My time within the AFLW, at the Giants and the Blues has been nothing short of incredible. It has been a long journey, having played over 150 games at Darebin Falcons.
"Seeing the change and evolution of AFLW has been wonderful and it has been so special playing a role in growing the opportunities for more women to play elite sport.
"I am excited to see where this club is headed, and although I am retiring, there is no doubt I am going to be cheering on from the sidelines.
"Football has been a huge part of my life, and it will continue to be, even in my retirement, but I am excited for all the opportunities that will come."
ALANA WOODWARD (Sydney)
Earlier this season, Sydney's Alana Woodward announced her retirement after suffering an ACL injury.
The 34-year-old played 25 games across three clubs having begun her career at Richmond, before heading to St Kilda and then Sydney during her time in the AFLW.
Her experience and natural leadership skills were recognised when Woodward was named in the Swans' inaugural leadership group in 2022, while she was also awarded best club person at the club in the same year.
