Elite defender Evie Gooch has announced her retirement from the AFLW after seven years and 43 games in the League, hanging up her boots at the conclusion of this season.
The former Perth Glory goalkeeper debuted for the Fremantle Dockers in 2018, and after four seasons in purple, joined the Eagles ahead of the 2022 season.
After missing the entirety of season seven with a wrist injury, Gooch has played 20 games in the blue and gold, the 29-year-old veteran becoming an integral pillar of the West Coast backline.
During her time on the sidelines in season seven, Gooch joined the coaching ranks as a development coach working with the team’s backline.
Her input had a major impact on the rise of young defenders like Charlie Thomas and Sophie McDonald, and as a result of her contributions, she was awarded the season seven Best Club Person.
The East Fremantle product said she is proud of her time in the AFLW and is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the League.
“I’m really proud of my career, and I think that it was more than just a footy career,” Gooch said.
“I’m really grateful to be in the position where I was able to help the AFLW get to where it is now, and hopefully it grows even further from here.
“Joining West Coast was probably the best part of my career, I really loved it here, I was really well supported and I felt like I developed really well as a player.”
Gooch praised the Eagles’ Strength and Conditioning and physio staff for helping to balance her football career and job as a Firefighter.
“Our Strength and Conditioning staff, Wes (Wes Salisbury), and the head physio ‘Yippy’ (Rebecca Yip), they really helped with balancing my footy and my Firefighter career outside of that.
“Knowing that I had to leave work early to get to training and visa versa, and fitting in sessions around that, they were a huge support.
“And my coaches, it’s been great to have Daisy around, and every other coach who has been a part of my journey I’ve learnt something from as well and I’m really grateful for that.”
Head of Women’s football Michelle Cowan said Gooch has been an incredible teammate who has always embodied the culture and values of the club.
“Evie's contribution to the AFLW over the past eight seasons has seen her have a big impact on those around her, players, staff and fans,” Cowan said.
“Evie is your ideal teammate, she lives the values of the West Coast Eagles football club, she is the last one packing up the property truck and the last to leave after tidying up.
“She has always been a kind and caring person to everyone she engages with and was recognised for her work when she was voted Best Club Person in season seven.
“Evie always made time to make those around her better, sharing her knowledge, patience and poise in the backline and we thank her for her contributions and wish her all the best for the future.”
