In finalising its playing list for the forthcoming AFLW season, St Kilda has confirmed that its foundation co-captain Rhiannon Watt will no longer be a member of the Club’s AFLW playing group.
Watt played 22 matches for St Kilda following a previous two matches for Carlton, co-captaining the Saints during its first two AFLW seasons before being appointed co-vice-captain in 2022.
She ruptured her ACL playing against Gold Coast earlier this year and whilst this will keep her sidelined for AFLW Season 7 she has not ruled out a return to the playing field in the future.
The 34-year-old has been a key figure in the Saints AFLW program throughout its formative years, playing an important role in establishing the team’s culture and shaping the engagement of the women’s football program within all aspects of the club – at RSEA Park and beyond.
St Kilda Head of AFLW Tessie McManus shared the sentiments of everyone at St Kilda in recognising the difficult circumstances in which Watt’s playing career with the Saints team she helped build was coming to a close
“Rhi has been an influential figure throughout her time at the Saints, making her a favourite amongst many teammates and fans,” McManus said.
“We wish her all the best for whatever comes next and she will always be welcome at RSEA Park.”
St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis paid tribute to Watt for the legacy she built over the course of her playing career with the Saints.
“Rhi’s playing contribution at St Kilda won’t be measured in the number of games or the individual honours she has earned,” Finnis said.
“Rather it will be for the way she united a group of young women from a vast array of backgrounds behind the cause to establish the footprint for women’s football at St Kilda.
“Rhi embraced all of the challenges and opportunities associated with pioneering a new program, and the players who follow in her footsteps will continue to benefit from the foundations she co-created for years to come.
“From the moment she walked through the doors at St Kilda – following in the footsteps of her grandfather Bob Watt (46 games between 1952-57) – Rhi has won the respect and friendship of all who have supported or been involved in our AFLW program.
“Her competitiveness on the field is matched only by her professionalism off it, and Rhi’s care for her teammates has been a cornerstone of her leadership.
“On behalf of all Saints people I thank Rhi for her unique contribution to our club and wish her every success in sport and life beyond football.”
The former national volleyballer’s playing honours include two seasons as St Kilda’s co-captain (2020, 2021), one as co-vice-captain (2022), the club’s Players’ Player Award (2020) and joint Best & Fairest honours from the Southern Saints’ maiden VFLW season (2018).
