West Coast Eagles defender and Albany product Sophie McDonald hangs up her boots after seven AFLW seasons

Albany footy star Sophie McDonald is hanging up her boots to end an impressive seven-season career with the West Coast Eagles in the AFLW competition. McDonald began her football journey in Albany with Royals Football Club in the Great Southern Football League Women’s competition where she then made the leap from local footy to the national spotlight. She was drafted at pick 39 in the 2019 AFLW draft and debuted in round one of 2020 as part of the Eagles’ inaugural AFLW squad, where she quickly established herself as a solid defender and a key figure in the club’s back line. Over 37 games in the blue and gold, McDonald earned a reputation for shutting down some of the league’s most dangerous forwards. Her 2023 season was a standout, finishing inside the top five of West Coast’s club champion award. A concussion in 2024 forced McDonald to spend time on the sidelines, and she was later placed on the inactive list to focus on her health and wellbeing ahead of the 2025 season. McDonald said missing last season gave her time to reflect on her career and her future plan. “Missing last year with mental health struggles and retiring from concussion, you do spend a lot of time just reflecting on where you’re at with just life in general,” she said. “I think in some ways this decision was a long-time coming. “Looking ahead I just wanted to make sure I prioritised my body and taking care of myself.” Reflecting on her seven seasons in blue and gold, McDonald said she will always cherish being part of the Eagles’ inaugural team. “I often do look back to the inaugural season, just the excitement of everyone who was part of that group, coaches, players, staff and being able to be there for the first time for this club,” McDonald said. “It’s not often that you’d get to say that you’re an inaugural player for a club, and to have been a part of it is something I’ll never forget.” The 25-year-old said she has made friends for life during her time at West Coast and will miss the people. “The first thing that comes to mind is that I’ll miss the people at the club,” she said. “That’s not just the players, that’s everyone, you develop such good connections with everyone around you and to not see them everyday will be an adjustment.” “I’ve made some great friendships here, and they will last for the rest of my life.” Even though McDonald is no longer part of the team she is excited to see what coach Daisy Pearce can do with the Eagles squad, as they development plenty of young talent. “From the first season to now, being able to see the growth and the direction they’re heading is very exciting,” she said. “They’re in very good hands with Daisy, so it will be cool to see how far this group can go.” Eagles’ head of women’s football Michelle Cowan said McDonald has contributed massively to the football association. “We’ve absolutely loved having Sophie as part of our program over the past seven seasons,” she said. “Soph is a special talent unearthed from Albany and no doubt she has inspired so many Great Southern footballers to follow her path. “We’re incredibly proud of everything she has contributed, both on and off the field. “We wish her all the very best for the future and can’t wait to follow her upcoming travel adventures.”