Experienced defender Tanya Hetherington has announced her retirement from the AFLW competition after 46 games in the orange and charcoal.
An emotional Hetherington told her teammates of her decision in the team’s pre-game meeting ahead of the GIANTS’ final game of the season at Henson Park on Sunday afternoon.
Prior to our clash against the Gold Coast, Tanya Hetherington announced her retirement from @aflwomens 🧡 One of a kind, thank you for everything Tanny! #BigBigSound pic.twitter.com/2roT6U2zQZ
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) October 30, 2022
The GIANTS produced a complete four-quarter performance to defeat the Suns, with Hetherington also sent forward in the final moments to try and kick her first career goal.
Post-match saw wonderful scenes as the 37-year-old was mobbed by her teammates and the Suns players forming a guard of honour as a mark of the respect Hetherington is held in across the competition.
“Right now, to be honest, I'm actually just overwhelmed because the love that I received from my teammates and this club was actually incredible,” Hetherington said as the sun set over Henson Park.
"I couldn't have asked for a better send off. So, at this moment, I'm actually feeling joyous.
“I'm sure in time I’ll have a proper reflection, but I'm just so happy that we got the win and to be able to sing that song, because it's such a good song - and to have my family here was amazing.
“I'm actually feeling overwhelmed with the love right now.”
Hetherington was 32 when she joined the GIANTS in the second season of the competition after being overlooked by Victorian clubs in her home state despite a strong VFLW career as captain and coach of Diamond Creek.
She missed just four games with injury across her six seasons in the competition and became a key part of the GIANTS’ defence both on and off the field.
“To be honest, I'm actually just really proud and it will be really nice to actually have a proper reflection, but that's something I'm actually so proud of,” she said.
“I missed the first season and came off a knee as well. At my age, I think I was 32 back then ... I'm just actually rapt to be able to stand here right now and think I've played six seasons because I honestly came in thinking I'd be rapt with one season and it kind of just kept going.
"I think proud is probably the word right now.”
Hetherington will be acknowledged at the Gabrielle Trainor Medal night on November 11 and will look to take up an off-field role with the club entering season eight.
