Dual-code star Lavey’s career comes to an end

FORMER Bendigo Spirit championship guard and Richmond AFLW vice-captain Tessa Lavey has called time on her professional sports career.

The 32-year-old dual-code athlete announced her decision in an emotional address to the Tigers’ playing group last week.

It ended a six-year AFLW career for the Swan Hill-born-and -raised athlete, who was a member of the Spirit’s WNBL championship team in 2013-14

A dual-Olympian in 2016 and 2021, Lavey also played for the Spirit in 2014-15, when they finished runners-up to Townsville Fire.

Following two year stints with Perth Lynx, where she played in another grand final in 2015-16, and Dandenong Rangers, Lavey returned to play with the Spirit in 2019-20, as well as city’s team in the second-tier national basketball league, Bendigo Braves.

In a shock move, Lavey turned her attention to football in 2020, drafted by Richmond with pick 43 in the AFLW national draft.

She continued to play with the Spirit until the end of the 2022-23 season.

Lavey played 36 games across six AFLW seasons for the Tigers, missing two full seasons in 2023 and 2025, the latter with hamstring and calf injuries.

 

Debuting in 2021, she immediately impressed with her speed, evasiveness, and natural football ability.

She finished fifth in the Tigers’ best and fairest award in her second season in 2022, helping the Tigers to their first finals appearance and a top four finish.

She was elevated to the leadership group in 2023.

Delivering the retirement news in a heartfelt speech to her teammates and coaches on Wednesday last week, Lavey struggled to fight back tears.

“I am retiring after 16 years of (professional) sports,” Lavey said.

“I have had the most amazing sporting experience an athlete could ask for. I am overwhelmed with the support I have received throughout my career.

“To the Richmond Football Club, thank you for making this little girl’s dream come true.

“I have loved playing for the yellow and black.

“To Kate (Sheahan) and (former assistant coach) Nathan Chapman, two people who were influential in getting me to the club and thinking that I would be okay at football.

“Ferg (Ryan Ferguson), the only head coach I have known for football. Thank you for allowing me to grow and for showing me how to be a footballer.

 

“The club is in great hands, and I cannot wait to see what this team and club can do in the future.”

On the club’s website, Richmond executive head of women’s football Kate Sheahan, thanked Lavey for her contribution to the club.

“Tessa should be incredibly proud of what she achieved in the AFLW after first joining while still in the midst of making an Australian Olympic squad with her basketball,” Sheahan said.

“We knew we were getting a highly driven athlete, and Tessa was quick to show how adaptable she would be to the AFLW and how valuable she was to our leadership team with her professional habits and thoughts.

“Tessa is a natural footballer, and we are so glad she was able to show everyone that while wearing a Richmond jumper.

“We wish her all the very best for the future, and she is always welcome at Richmond.”

Lavey had two stints with Bendigo Braves, the first in the former SEABL competition in 2015, and later in the NBL1 in 2019.

She was part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal-winning Opals team and also earned a silver medal at the FIBA World Championships in 2018 and a bronze in 2014.

With her professional sporting commitments over, Lavey will still have plenty to occupy her mind and time following the launch of a new business venture earlier this year, having purchased the Aviary pub in Abbotsford with former Tigers culture and leadership coach Liz Quinn.

The pair have turned the venue into a space dedicated to showcasing women’s sport, known as The W Club.

While the Victoria Street pub does not focus solely on women’s sport, it does prioritise women’s sport.