Alicia Eva, one of the AFLW’s most respected figures and a pioneer of the competition, has today announced her retirement from the game at season’s end. 

A GIANTS Life Member, All Australian, and club best and fairest winner, Eva is the GIANTS’ longest-serving AFLW captain and will leave an enduring legacy at the club and across the women’s game.

Currently with 89 AFLW games to her name, Eva will face Carlton at Ikon Park this Sunday before drawing a curtain on her incredible playing career next weekend at Henson Park when the GIANTS host the Suns to close out the season.

Eva informed her teammates of her upcoming retirement at the club on Friday, alongside partner Claudia and son Paddy. 

Beginning her career with Collingwood in 2017 as part of the league’s inaugural AFLW season, Eva made the decision to move to the GIANTS the following year where she was soon named vice-captain ahead of her very first season in orange and charcoal.

Eva made an immediate impact as a GIANT, with the speedy midfielder crowned the Gabrielle Trainor Medallist as club champion as well as named in the 2018 All-Australian team.

A year later, at the conclusion of the 2019 AFLW season, Eva was chosen to captain the club, becoming just the second captain of the GIANTS’ AFLW program following in the footsteps of Amanda Farrugia.

A fearless leader who led with pride, passion, and care for her teammates, Eva captained the GIANTS for five seasons before deciding to step down from the role at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Having led the club as a hard-running midfielder for most of her career, Eva moved into a new role up forward in 2024 where she has since spent the last three seasons helping mentor many of the club’s exciting young forwards.

Eva’s playing career as well as her leadership and commitment to growing the women’s game has cemented her stature as one of the league’s most respected and admired players. 

As well as her contributions as a player, Eva has continued to help pave the way as a trailblazer in the coaching landscape, with the 35-year-old having held roles within the club’s AFL coaching group as well as with elite girls junior pathways programs. This year Eva also became the new Head Coach of the GIANTS Female Academy, helping develop the next generation of female footballers.

GIANTS Chief Executive Officer, David Matthews, said Eva has made an indelible mark on the GIANTS and the AFLW as a whole.

“Alicia has given so much to this football club and to the competition,” Matthews said.

“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.

“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.”