After an incredible nine seasons in the AFLW, Sydney Swans forward Brooke Lochland announced her retirement today. Her farewell game will be Saturday’s Round 10 match against Waalitj Marawar (West Coast Eagles). After playing 64 games for two clubs—35 for the Western Bulldogs and 29 for the Sydney Swans—the 33-year-old former Swans co-captain, All-Australian, and 2018 Western Bulldogs premiership player will retire with an incredible honor roll. Lochland made her Bulldogs debut in Round 1 of the 2017 season after being selected by the Western Bulldogs at pick 53 in the 2016 National Draft.
Within a year, in 2018, she was named an All-Australian, a Premiership player, and the league’s top goalie. She set the record for most goals kicked by an AFLW player in a single game that year, with seven goals in one game. The decision to move to the harbor city and begin a new chapter was made by Lochland in the middle of 2022. When the Sydney Swans were admitted into the AFLW league for Season 7, she became the first high-profile player from an interstate side to join the team. She impressed both on and off the field almost away. Born to lead, Lochland was the Sydney Swans’ top goalicker in 2022 and their first co-captain.
On Friday afternoon, an emotional Lochland shared her thoughts on a journey for which she is “incredibly grateful” with her teammates. “Never did this six year old who went to Auskick with the boys in her Bombers jumper with her childhood hero James Hird #5 on the back ever think that she would be drafted to an AFL club one day,” said Lochland.
“I am thankful to the Western Bulldogs for allowing me to pursue my ambition, for allowing me to spend six years at Whitten Oval, and for allowing me to be a part of a team that has led the way in women’s football. The highlight of my career will always be getting to work with two of the greatest players in history, Debbie Lee and Nathan Burke, as well as Paul Groves, who saw potential in me and selected me in the draft.
After that, I moved to Sydney, and I’m thankful to Scott Gowans and Kate Mahony for giving me the chance to come play for the Sydney Swans as an inaugural player. It was one of the best choices I’ve ever made, and I’m fortunate to be able to play for this amazing team with amazing people and the world’s greatest supporters.
“I am immensely proud of everything I have accomplished. Few people can claim to have traveled the world and competed at the top level in three different sports for more than 20 years. I stand here knowing that I have dedicated nine seasons of my life to two clubs, and that no one can ever take away from me my ability to play in the Premiership. “I shall miss going out every week with the girls I can now call my sisters, dressed in the red and white jumper.
“Some of the greatest years of my life, which I will always treasure, were made possible by the game. I am looking forward to the next phase of my life and what lies ahead. According to Sydney Swans coach Scott Gowans, Lochland has had a profound impact on both the game and those who have followed her. “Brooke has been fantastic for the team; she was our first co-captain and the first player to risk us from a marquee perspective. She also did a great job serving the team.
She lived all over the world and pursued her goals as a junior international inline speedskater before returning to play in the AFLW, where she has made a significant impact at two clubs and achieved premiership status. “The things she does for others remain hidden from the public, especially when it comes to younger players like Holly Cooper, who she truly supports and guides. She has made a significant contribution to the club and will be remembered as a multifaceted leader. It will be based on her actions both on and off the field.
LOCHLAND STATISTICS BROOKING Drafted: 53rd overall in the 2016 National Draft; debut: 1st round, 2017; 64 AFLW games (29 Sydney, 35 Western Bulldogs). 28 targets 2022). Sydney Swans’ first-ever co-captain in 2022 Leading goalicker for the Sydney Swans in 2018; AFLW leading goalicker for the Western Bulldogs in 2018 On Saturday, a 2018 All-Australian Premiership player will play her 64th and final match.
Leave a Reply