Experienced West Coast Eagles midfielder Dana Hooker has announced she will retire from the game at season's end, calling time on an incredibly inspiring AFLW career.

Hooker was part of the inaugural AFLW season in 2017 after being drafted to the Fremantle Dockers, and then joined West Coast ahead of its first season in the League in 2020.

The 34-year-old was named vice-captain shortly after her arrival and went on to win the Eagles’ inaugural Club Champion award in her first season in blue and gold.

“The time has come that I call time on my career in footy,” Hooker announced at Wednesday’s team meeting.

“When I got drafted back in 2016, I remember thinking to myself that I was only 24 at that stage, I’d just had Alice (Hooker’s daughter), and I thought about how good it would be to play five years in the AFLW.

“I stand here today just shy of 10 years, and I feel nothing but proud and grateful for the opportunity to have stayed here for as long as I have.

“To the Eagles, this club, you’ve been my second family and a place I’ve called home for the last seven years, and I’ve built strong relationships here with my teammates, my coaches and the wider community of the club.”

To add to her on-field achievements, Hooker was also awarded the Eagles in the Community award in 2022 for her work as an ambassador for the Saba Rose Foundation, raising awareness and funds for disabled children and their families.

With 65 AFLW games currently under her belt, a win in Friday’s clash with Carlton could set up the first taste of finals football for Hooker as an Eagle.

“We’re staring down the barrel of our first ever finals appearance,” Hooker said.

“It’s something I’ve desperately wanted for this team for such a long time, and we get the opportunity to make it happen on Friday night.

“Not many athletes get to have that fairytale end to their career, but if we make finals, and go deep into finals, that will be it for me.”

Hooker missed the 2024 season after announcing her pregnancy early in the year, giving birth to her second daughter, Zara, in the December.

The mum-of-two highlighted the support she received from her family throughout her career, thanking her parents, her husband Mark and daughter Alice. 

“I want to thank my parents for their support along my journey, and everything you did for me as a kid, you were a constant support throughout my career and riding the highs and lows of everything that comes with it,” Hooker said.

“And to my husband Mark, I appreciate you so much and you just allow me to be me, and you’re always in my corner and supporting me and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of our journey together.

“To my beautiful kids, Alice, you’ve had to share me with football your entire life so far and I know that hasn’t always been easy for you, but I’m so grateful to have had you this entire journey.”

Hooker and her teammates will take on Carlton under Friday night lights at Sullivan Logistics Stadium, bouncedown from 6:15pm WST.