DELISTING Georgia Clayden was tough, but Gold Coast coach Rhyce Shaw said it was a decision based on football and one that came following lengthy conversation with the winger throughout the year.
Clayden was on the inactive list for the 2026 season after announcing her pregnancy in May and was delisted earlier in the week with her contract expiring.
She will receive maternity leave payments for the next 12 months.
Following industry-wide discussion around the issues of pregnant players, list sizes and how to handle each scenario, Shaw explained the club's thinking to AFL.com.au.
"There's a lot that goes into it and I'm not going to go into every single detail," Shaw said.
"We were open and honest with Georgia throughout the year.
"We had really transparent conversations from day dot and we based our decision on football and that's the best we can do.
"It is a tough circumstance, and I understand the level of interest in these scenarios.
"From our point of view, we feel as though we've been open and honest with George and supported her as much as we can and we'll continue to do that throughout the year.
"It's a difficult time from her perspective."
Clayden has played 44 games for the Suns since arriving ahead of season seven in 2022, including playing all 12 in 2025.
Gold Coast went through a huge list transformation 12 months ago when it farewelled Jac Dupuy, Claudia Whitfort and Lauren Bella to make way for a draft class that included Ava Usher, Sunny Lappin, Georja Davies and Dekota Baron.
Shaw said it was "hard" to farewell Clayden and retiree Jamie Stanton.
"Those characters have been around a while and they've provided so much leadership and energy and blood, sweat and tears to this place, it is hard to see them go," he said.
"'Doughy' (Clayden) has been a big part of that over the last couple of years. She's been a big support to not only the program, but myself personally.
"It is hard, but that is part of the business and part of the evolution of where we're going and what we want to do.
"Georgia has been a massive rock for us over the last couple of years. It is sad these situations happen."
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