THE CLASS of 2025 has started to form, with a handful of players having already hung up the boots
This piece will be updated as retirement announcements are made.
ERICA FOWLER (GEELONG)
Erica Fowler has announced her retirement from the AFLW after 54 games across two clubs.
Initially drafted by Collingwood in 2018, Fowler was a key figure for the Pies across seven seasons. She also was a member of Collingwood's 2019 VFLW premiership-winning side.
Fowler joined Geelong as an injury replacement player this year and played eight games under coach Daniel Lowther, reinforcing the club's depleted tall stocks.
Fowler could play a role at either end of the ground, while her height meant she could also support the likes of Piper Dunlop and Caitie Tipping in the ruck department.
"I'm grateful for the opportunities and experiences I've had across my time at Collingwood and Geelong in the AFLW, and all the incredible people I've met along the way, including in my time with Collingwood and Sandringham in the VFLW," Fowler said.
"Across the past eight seasons, I've crossed paths with wonderful athletes, coaches and football staff, and have enjoyed being able both to learn and to share my experience at various stages of my journey.
"I want to thank my family and friends who have supported me along the way. I look forward now to what life holds for me after my AFLW career, and being able to dedicate more of my time to my other career as a paramedic."
Geelong head of AFLW Dominique Condo congratulated Fowler on her career.
"As Erica retires from the AFLW, we thank her for her efforts this year, joining us as a replacement player to bring extra experience and add to our key position depth this season," Condo said.
"Erica has made a significant impact at both her clubs, following seven seasons at Collingwood, before joining us this year and fitting into our playing group seamlessly.
"We wish Erica all the best for the next chapter, and thank her for her contribution to our AFLW program."
AMY MULHOLLAND (FREMANTLE)
Fremantle small forward Amy Mulholland has retired from the AFLW after playing 33 games across four seasons at the Dockers.
Originally drafted with pick 83 ahead of the 2022 draft ahead of season seven, Mulholland was a dynamic livewire forward with speed to burn.
Fremantle head of AFLW Claire Heffernan praised Mulholland's dedication to the footy program.
"Amy has been a fantastic teammate and a much-loved presence within the group," Heffernan said.
"She's always carried herself with professionalism and positivity, and we thank her for the care and enthusiasm she's brought to the club."
JO CREGG (FREMANTLE)
Irishwoman Jo Cregg hangs up the boots after 16 games in three seasons with Fremantle.
An explosive and athletic player, Cregg was drafted with pick 21 in the 2023 Supplementary Draft having plied her trade for Subiaco.
Cregg came from a strong Gaelic background but translated her skills well to Aussie Rules during her time in purple.
Fremantle head of AFLW Claire Heffernan praised Cregg as a "wonderful role model for the younger players in our squad".
"Jo has been a valued addition to our group since joining the club," Heffernan said.
"She's a natural competitor who's given her all every time she's pulled on the jumper.
PHILIPA SETH (FREMANTLE)
Fremantle's Philipa Seth has called time on her AFLW career after 58 games and eight seasons with the Dockers.
Seth was drafted with pick 28 in the 2018 draft and made an immediate impact, winning the club's Best First Year Player Award.
The 31-year-old carved out a role with the Dockers on a wing and across half-back, where she could use her composure, speed and agility as a reliable member of the defensive setup.
A selfless player who always put the team first, Seth is 10th for all-time games played at Fremantle.
Fremantle head of AFLW Claire Heffernan thanked Seth for her contributions during her time at the Dockers.
"From the moment Phil walked through our doors, she has embodied exactly what it means to be a Freo player," Heffernan said.
"She is the role player every coach wants and every teammate values, is super driven and always ready to back in her club.
"Phil's work ethic has set the standard at our club. Whether she was preparing at training, stepping into new roles, or mentoring younger players, she always gave her absolute best and lifted everyone around her.
"While we'll miss seeing her in the jumper, I'm incredibly grateful for everything she's given our club and wish her all the best for the future."
TESSA LAVEY (RICHMOND)
Two-time Olympian, Tessa Lavey, has decided to hang up the boots after playing 36 games across six seasons at the Richmond Football Club.
The former basketballer joined the Tigers with pick No.43 in the 2020 AFLW Draft and went on to become a leader at Punt Road, named as co-vice captain in 2024 and 2025.
The 32 year-old had a challenging run with injury in her final season, missing all 12 matches with hamstring and calf strains.
“I am retiring after 16 years of (professional) sports,” Lavey said.
“I have had the most amazing sporting experience an athlete could ask for. I am overwhelmed with the support I have received throughout my career.
“To the Richmond Football Club, thank you for making this little girl's dream come true.”
MEG MCDONALD (GEELONG)
When Meghan McDonald's brain started writing a retirement speech unprompted, she knew it was time to pull the pin.
The Geelong skipper has been in discussions with her club throughout the year around her playing future, which was brought into sharp focus when she was dropped early in the season.
McDonald has been omitted from six of 11 games this year, and also works for the club in the marketing and communications team, so knows her way around words.
"It was an on-going thought process – it has to be when you're my age (34) and continuing to play, [given] the trajectory of the competition and who's coming into it and the skill level of those coming through," McDonald told AFL.com.au.
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REBECCA PRIVITELLI (SYDNEY)
Sydney Swans key forward Rebecca Privitelli has retired after 64 games at three clubs.
The 30-year-old was drafted by Carlton with pick No.142 in the inaugural AFL Women’s draft in 2016 and went on to play five games with the Blues before being delisted at the end of the 2017 season.
Known for her exceptional marking ability, Privitelli continued her career with GWS in 2018 where she played 23 matches across three seasons, before joining the Swans in 2022.
“The AFL has been part of who I am for as long as I can remember, it’s shaped some of the biggest decisions in my life, none bigger than moving to Sydney eight years ago,” said Privitelli.
"I leave the game with so much pride and joy, and to be in a position where I’ve given so much is such an honour, and I don't regret a single moment."
JANELLE CUTHBERTSON (PORT ADELAIDE)
All-Australian Janelle Cuthbertson has announced her retirement, ending an injury-plagued seven-season career at two clubs.
Cuthbertson played a combined 32 games for Fremantle and Port Adelaide, winning All-Australian honours at the Dockers in 2021, while she also captained the Power.
Originally a tennis player in the American college system, Cuthbertson returned to Australia in her late 20s and turned her attention to Australian Rules football, joining the Dockers ahead of the 2020 season.
She then signed with the Power for their debut season, with her career ultimately cruelled by two serious knee injuries.
"Football has given me more than I could have ever imagined. It's continued to shape who I am, introduced me to incredible people, and taught me lessons that go far beyond the field,” Cuthbertson said.
"I am walking away with a full heart, knowing I gave everything I have to the game I fell in love with. Rehabbing two ACL ruptures back-to-back has been incredibly challenging.
"I've had a fair few challenges with injury over the years and I know it's time I now listen to my body, close this chapter, and look forward to what comes next."
DANA HOOKER (WEST COAST)
Inaugural AFLW player Dana Hooker will retire at the end of West Coast's season after a nine-year career at two clubs.
Hooker was drafted by Fremantle ahead of the first ever AFLW season in 2017 and played three seasons at the Dockers before joining the Eagles in 2020.
She won the Eagles' inaugural Club Champion award before missing the entire 2024 season to give birth to her second child.
With the club on the verge of maiden finals campaign heading into the final round of the season, Hooker is hoping to finish on a high.
"(Finals) something I've desperately wanted for this team for such a long time, and we get the opportunity to make it happen on Friday night," she said.
"Not many athletes get to have that fairytale end to their career, but if we make finals, and go deep into finals, that will be it for me.
"When I got drafted back in 2016, I remember thinking to myself that I was only 24 at that stage, I'd just had Alice (her first daughter), and I thought about how good it would be to play five years in the AFLW.
"I stand here today just shy of 10 years, and I feel nothing but proud and grateful for the opportunity to have stayed here for as long as I have."
ALIESHA NEWMAN (GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY)
Inaugural AFLW player Aliesha Newman will play her final game at the end of this season.
A former soccer player who was the last player signed to Melbourne's list ahead of the 2017 season, she currently has 66 games to her name, having also played for Collingwood, Sydney and the Giants.
The speedy small forward and Ningy Ningy woman provided plenty of on-field highlights, but has also been a significant contributor off the field as an ambassador for Indigenous athletes.
She has designed a number of Indigenous Round jumpers for every club she has played for, and also created the AFLW's first Indigenous Round guernsey in 2021.
"Football has given me so much more than I could have dreamed of," Newman said.
"It’s given me a sense of belonging, a family away from home and the chance to grow into someone I never thought I could be.
"Through this game, I've found my purpose, I've been able to give back through coaching, mentoring and connecting with the next generation, especially within the Indigenous community.
"Above all else, football has given me teammates, coaches and lifelong friends who have become family."
MADDY COLLIER (SYDNEY)
Former Sydney skipper Maddy Collier has announced her retirement at age 30.
An inaugural AFLW player with Greater Western Sydney, the hard-nosed utility played 47 games across 10 seasons, including a stint at West Coast when the Eagles first entered the competition.
She returned home to New South Wales for the Swans' debut season, captaining the team alongside Lauren Szigeti and Brooke Lochland.
Collier battled a wide array of injuries over her near-decade in the League, including a torn ACL and a few serious ankle issues.
"I've supported this club since I was a kid so to pull on the Swans guernsey was a real 'pinch me moment', and it was an incredible honour to be named co-captain in the first year," Collier said.
"When I look back, I've probably spent more time here in rehab than I have playing, but it has taught me so much about being a good club person and given me an appreciation for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
"I'd like to thank Scott (Gowans, coach) and Kate (Mahony, head of footy) for bringing me here and the faith they put in me, as well as my mum for her unwavering support – I wouldn't be here without her.
"Being on this journey with the girls has been by far my favourite part. Their company and camaraderie will be the thing I'll miss the most, as it has been a pleasure to ride the highs and lows with them."
JODIE HICKS (RICHMOND)
Dual-sport athlete Hicks will hang up the boots at the end of the season.
Hicks, 28, previously played WBBL with Sydney Sixers, and has played 58 AFLW games across eight seasons, which included a mid-career break for a year when she lost her love of the game.
The tenacious defender started her career with Greater Western Sydney, moving to Richmond ahead of last season.
"I have been very lucky … I have made friends all over the world and had a lot of cool opportunities. It is something I never thought a little girl from Hay would be able to do," Hicks said.
"Coming to Richmond, I did not know if it was a really random move, but as soon as I walked in the door, it was the best thing that happened.
"Obviously, I still love playing footy, so I might just go tear up a local club, ideally, and play a bit of cricket. I have bloody loved it."
