Kate Darby calls time on AFLW career

Geelong Cats favourite Kate Darby has announced she will retire from the AFLW at the end of the 2025 season, wrapping up a storied career that began in the league’s inaugural year.

Now based in Torquay, Darby has been a trailblazer on and off the field. From debuting with Carlton in 2017 to becoming one of Geelong’s most respected players, she will leave the game having played 58 elite-level matches – 56 of those in the Hoops.

“It’s been so special these past four years to share this journey with my daughter, Ella,” Darby said.

Her journey has been marked by resilience and leadership. After playing junior football, she never imagined she’d have the chance to play professionally. But with the launch of the AFLW, Darby took her opportunity – first with Carlton, then finding her home at Geelong.

She played 10 games across her first two seasons with the Cats before stepping away in 2021 while pregnant. She returned in 2022, initially as a replacement player, before earning her place back on the main list and cementing her role in the team.

Darby became one of the first women’s players to receive life membership at the Geelong Football Club in 2024 and is a four-time winner of the club’s Carter Family Community Champion Award. She was also the 2023 recipient of the Tom Hafey Variety Heart of Football Award and was recently named a finalist in the 2025 Jim Stynes AFLW Community Leadership Award.

Beyond footy, Darby is passionate about advocating for women’s health and equality. She recently appeared on the Women Out Loud podcast by Surf Coast Women’s Health, where she shared insights on motherhood, community connection and the growth of women’s sport.

Amy McElgunn, three-time Winter Olympian Jenny Lyons, Geelong Cats AFLW player Kate Darby and Courtney Weybury. Photo: TNG Studios

Geelong Cats AFLW coach Dan Lowther praised her for the example she set.

“Kate has been an excellent player and brilliant mentor. Her impact on teammates and the community is lasting.”

Darby will be farewelled at Geelong’s final home game this Saturday at GMHBA Stadium, alongside fellow retiring players Meghan McDonald and Shelley Scott.