West Coast Eagles defender Sophie McDonald has announced her retirement from the League after 37 games in the blue and gold.
McDonald was selected with pick 39 in the 2019 AFLW Draft, debuting in the opening round of the 2020 season as part of the club’s inaugural AFLW team.
The 25-year-old Albany product established herself as a pillar in the Eagles backline, renowned for nullifying a number of the League’s best forwards.
After a career-best season in 2023, McDonald finished top five in the Eagles’ Club Champion awards that year.
A concussion sustained in 2024 saw her spend time on the sidelines before she was placed on the inactive list to prioritise her wellbeing ahead of the 2025 season.
“I think in some ways this decision was a long-time coming,” McDonald said on her retirement.
“Missing last year with mental health struggles and recovering from the concussion, you do spend a lot of time just reflecting on where you’re at with just life in general.
“Looking ahead, I just wanted to make sure I prioritised by body and taking care of myself.”
Reflecting back on her seven seasons at the club, McDonald said being part of the Eagles’ inaugural team is an experience she will cherish.
“It’s hard to reflect right now, a lot of things are still very fresh for me,” McDonald said.
“But I do often look back to the inaugural season, just the excitement of everyone who was part of that group, coaches, players, staff, and being able to be there for the first time for this club.
“It’s not often that you’d get to say that you’re an inaugural player for a club, and to have been a part of it is something I’ll never forget.”
Having only played one game under Daisy Pearce in 2024, McDonald holds high praise for the senior coach and looks forward to seeing further development in this young Eagles squad.
“From the first season to now, being able to see the growth and where the club is going now and the direction they’re heading is very exciting,” McDonald said.
“They’re in very good hands with Daisy, so it will be cool see how far this group can go.”
Football aside, McDonald said she has made life-long friends during her time at West Coast, and she will miss the people involved in the program.
“The first thing that comes to mind is that I’ll miss the people at the club,” McDonald said.
“That’s not just the players, that’s everyone, you develop such good connections with everyone around you and to not see them every day will be an adjustment.
“I’ve made some great friendships here, and they will last for the rest of my life.”
Eagles’ Head of Women’s Football Michelle Cowan celebrated McDonald’s contribution to the club, and her character both on and off the field.
“We've absolutely loved having Sophie as part of our program over the past seven seasons,” Cowan said.
“We’re incredibly proud of everything she has contributed, both on and off the field.
“Soph is a special talent unearthed from Albany and no doubt she has inspired so many great southern footballers to follow her path.
“We wish her all the very best for the future and can’t wait to follow her upcoming travel adventures.”
