Fremantle Dockers stalwart Ebony Antonio has announced her retirement from AFLW after seven remarkable seasons with the club, marking the end of an era for one of the competition's most respected players.
A Career-Defining Decision
The 32-year-old made her retirement decision public on Tuesday, concluding a professional journey that spanned 46 AFLW games since her debut in 2017. Antonio revealed that quiet moments with her newborn son, Bowie, played a significant role in reaching this career crossroads.
Bowie was born in October 2023, just before the commencement of the most recent AFLW season, giving Antonio valuable perspective during her time away from the game. The dual-code athlete, who also enjoyed a successful women's football career, will remain connected to the Dockers in a development coaching role for the upcoming season.
Reflecting on a Stellar Dual-Code Career
Antonio's athletic achievements extend beyond Australian rules football. She made her mark in the W-League with Perth Glory before transitioning to AFLW, bringing her exceptional sporting talents to the Dockers. Her versatility and dedication made her one of Fremantle's most valuable players throughout her tenure.
The veteran utility player expressed mixed emotions about her decision, acknowledging the difficulty of stepping away from playing while embracing the excitement of her new role. "It's obviously a tough decision to make, to retire from playing, but I'm really excited for the next chapter and to start my coaching journey," Antonio stated.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Fremantle Dockers coach Lisa Webb paid tribute to Antonio's significant contributions to both the club and women's sport in Western Australia. "Eb has been a wonderful servant to the Fremantle Football Club over a long period of time, and we're really pleased that she'll continue to be part of our program," Webb commented.
Webb highlighted Antonio's development into a strong leader who consistently supported her younger teammates throughout her career. The coach expressed confidence that Antonio would bring the same dedication and insight to her coaching position that characterized her playing days.
Antonio's retirement marks another chapter in the evolving landscape of women's Australian rules football, with pioneering players now transitioning into coaching and development roles that will shape the next generation of AFLW talent.
