Alicia Eva hangs up her boots after leading GWS through heartbreak
Alicia Eva, 35, is retiring from the Giants after captaining the struggling team through tragedy, injury, and consecutive losses.
Alicia Eva has retired from AFLW after five seasons with Greater Western Sydney, including three as captain. Alicia Eva's tenure was marked by extraordinary hardship.
Forward Jacinda Barclay died in October 2020, early in Eva's captaincy. The team faced severe COVID disruptions in 2021, including a hub relocation.
Midfielder Bríd Stack suffered a traumatic broken neck injury during that chaotic period. Through it all, the Giants remained anchored to the bottom third of the ladder, season after season.
Eva stayed because of the people and their shared journey, not for success. She told AFL.com.au the experience changed what she wanted from football.
- 35 years old
- Age at retirement
- 2020-2023
- Captaincy period
- Greater Western Sydney Giants
- Team
Why it mattersHer retirement marks the end of an era for a player who prioritised loyalty and people over winning, rare in professional sport.
AustraliaThe Giants lose a stalwart leader who embodied resilience through Australian football's most difficult seasons.
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