INAUGURAL AFLW player and former Greater Western Sydney captain Alicia Eva will retire at the end of the season.

Eva started her career at Collingwood, moving up to the Giants ahead of the 2018 season and was immediately named vice-captain of the still-fledgling squad, winning the club's best and fairest and named All-Australian.

She has recorded 89 AFLW games to date, having played for Melbourne Uni in the then-VWFL prior to the introduction of the elite competition.

Now 35, Eva captained the Giants for five seasons, and is still the club's longest-serving AFLW captain.

Her tenure included a difficult period guiding the squad through the upheaval of COVID - including a stint moving to Albury due to border restrictions - and the untimely passing of fiercely loved teammate Jacinda Barclay.

She will no doubt continue to be involved in the football industry in a coaching capacity, having already served as an assistant coach within the club's NEAFL/VFL program, through the AFLW talent pathway with NSW/ACT and the Allies, and is currently the Giants' female Academy head coach.

"Alicia has given so much to this football club and to the competition. When she decided to leave Collingwood to come to the Giants we knew we were getting someone special, but what she's done for our club and the game has been remarkable," GWS CEO Dave Matthews said.

"What she's achieved throughout her career is incredible, but it's the person she is, the way she leads, and the care she shows for her teammates that really sets her apart.

"Her legacy extends well beyond her achievements as a player, and she should be incredibly proud of the impact she's had and continues to have on the game.

"As a leader of this club, she's led with passion, integrity and care, and has always put the team first. She's been an outstanding leader for our program, and we're incredibly grateful for everything she's contributed to the Giants and the AFLW.

"Not only has she had a profound impact on the club's AFLW program, she's also helped mentor players in our AFL side in her role as part of the AFL coaching staff, in addition to her amazing work with the next generation of Giants in our Academy.

"Alicia will always hold a special place in the history of the Giants."