Who hangs up their boots? Departing players from your club

As the end of the season approaches, a number of club stalwarts and early AFLW players are approaching the end of their careers.

This article will be updated as players announce their retirement.

STACY LIVINGSTONE (Collingwood)

Collingwood stalwart and AFLW first-choice player Stacey Livingstone has finally called it quits, retiring at 36 years old.

Having been on the last line of defense since Game 1 of the 2017 opening round, Livingston will retire with 77 caps to his name this weekend.

She was named in the Australian squad for 2021 and is much loved at Collingwood, her loud voice and enthusiasm heard on the field as she directs the action and supports her teammates.

Livingstone scored her first AFLW goal earlier this year.

“It is difficult to say goodbye to Stacey, whose impact on the program is immeasurable,” Collingwood head of football Jess Burger said.

“She is arguably one of the hardest working people in football, continuing to work as a forklift driver during the early years of her football career, working eight-hour shifts before training.

“We thank Stacey for her leadership and enthusiasm and for building the team in so many ways.”

IVI GUK (West Coast)

Tough defender Evie Gooch has retired after a successful career in Western Australia.

The former soccer star made the move to top-flight football in the 2018 season, joining Fremantle at No. 10 in the 2017 draft.

A staunch defender, Gooch will retire at age 29, having already enjoyed a stellar career as a firefighter while also playing football.

She played 23 games for Fremantle before recording a further 20 on the West Coast, with injuries blocking her time with the Eagles, while also serving as a development coach in season seven in 2022.

“I’m really proud of my career and I think it was more than just a football career,” Gooch said.

“I’m very grateful to have been able to help the AFLW get to where it is today and hopefully it will grow even further from here.

“Our strength and conditioning staff, Wes (Salisbury), and head physiotherapist “Yuppie” (Rebecca Yip), they really helped balance my career as a football player and my career as a firefighter on top of that.

“Knowing that I had to leave work early to get to training and vice versa, and organizing classes around that, they were a huge support to me.”

JESS DAL POS (Carlton)

AFLW pioneer Jess Dal Pos has completed an incredible career spanning two clubs.

The 31-year-old has played in every season since the competition’s inception, making 69 appearances during his time at Carlton and Greater Western Sydney.

A fierce striker, Dal Pos began her career with the Giants and earned All-Australian honors in 2017, as well as the club’s best and fairest team that year.

Dal Pos’ leadership has been evident since moving to Carlton at the end of the 2021 season.

She was named co-vice-captain in 2022 and 2023 and became player-coach this season.

“Ever since I joined the Blues I have felt so welcome and loved by the incredible fans – despite my injuries last year, the thought of playing in front of the Carlton fans has kept me working hard and delivering your body is in order,” Dal Pos said.

“My time in the AFLW with the Giants and Blues was incredible. It’s been a long journey, playing over 150 games for the Darebin Falcons.

“Watching the changes and evolution of the AFLW has been wonderful and it has been especially rewarding to play a role in increasing opportunities for more women to play elite sport.

“I’m really excited to see where this club is going and although I’m retiring, there’s no doubt there will be cheering from the sidelines.

“Football has been a huge part of my life and will continue to be even when I retire, but I’m excited about all the opportunities that will come.”

ALANA WOODWARD (Sydney)

Earlier this season, Sydney’s Alana Woodward announced her retirement after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 34-year-old played 25 games across three clubs, starting 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 recognized when Woodward was named in the Swans’ inaugural leadership group for 2022, and she was also awarded the club’s best member that year.