Katie Loynes has announced her retirement from AFL Women’s football.

Recruited from Diamond Creek, Loynes was selected by Carlton with the club's fourteenth selection and the one hundred and tenth overall in the 2016 NAB AFLW draft.

A strong leader and midfielder, Loynes played 36 games for Carlton and was the club’s 2018 joint Best and Fairest winner, during a season in which she was also nominated for the AFL Players’ MVP award as well as the Most Courageous award.

Loynes moved to Sydney ahead of the 2021 season and played nine games for the GIANTS, every one of them typified by her infectious style of play; resilient, tough and physical.

Head of Women’s Football Briana Harvey thanked Loynes for her contribution to the GIANTS.

“Katie had a big impact on our club in a short space of time and we thank her for her contribution over the past year,” said Harvey.

“We wish Katie all the best in the future, and she will always be welcomed back at the GIANTS.”