Pioneering AFLW star Steph Chiocci has called time on her football career after a decorated nine seasons at the highest level.
The 35-year-old informed her teammates, coaches and football staff after St Kilda’s last game on Sunday afternoon that she will be hanging up the boots effective immediately, as she continues to recover from a severe ACL injury sustained in the back end of 2023.
One of the most recognisable and respected names in women's football, Chiocci joined St Kilda as part of a Trade Period haul that also brought in fellow former Magpie, Jaimee Lambert at the start of 2023.
Chiocci finishes her career as a celebrated leader of the competition, making history as Collingwood’s inaugural AFLW captain - a role she would go onto hold for a further six seasons before being inducted into St Kilda’s leadership group in her first year with the club.
“Steph has had a momentous impact on our playing group and the entire club in such a short period of time,” EGM AFLW Tessie McManus said.
“A natural-born leader who has been a pioneer for our competition since before its inception, we can’t thank Steph enough for what she’s contributed to the game both on and off the field.
After missing the entirety of the 2024 season due to injury, the esteemed winger retires having played 61 AFLW games, the majority from her time as a Pie.
“This has been an emotional and difficult decision to come to but I’m so grateful for everything I’ve been able to achieve in my career,” Chiocci said.
“A massive thank you to Collingwood and St Kilda for the past eight years. Footy clubs are made up of so many incredible people, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside some of the best in the business throughout my time.
“To all my teammates, past and present, thank you for the joy you’ve brought to my life. It’s been a pleasure to have been on this journey with each of you.
“From playing for Diamond Creek to playing in the first ever AFLW game in 2017, I feel so proud of how far women’s footy has come. It’s pretty special to have been there since the beginning and I have no doubt I’ll remain involved in football for many years to come.”
