The last remaining player from Williamstown’s inaugural Victorian Football League women’s season, Erin Meade, has chosen not to return to the VFLW competition in 2025.
After a remarkable seven-year journey, the inspirational defender has decided to take a step back from her football career at the age of 28.
Meade’s time at Williamstown began in 2018 when she joined the club’s first-ever VFLW team. She quickly emerged as a leader both on and off the field, earning captaincy from 2021 to 2023.
Her commitment then extended beyond her playing role when she took on the position of head of development this year to nurture the younger talent.
“My goal for this year wasn’t individual accolades or tangible success, it was simply an action to pave the way for those to come,” she said.
When announcing the news to her teammates and coaches, Meade also shared, “I’m so grateful to have played a part in this amazing club and to have been a custodian of the program for as long as I have. I’ve always said that I would stay at the club until it was in a better place, and I can sit back now and say it is just that.”
Meade celebrated her 50th VFLW game in Williamstown colours during round nine this year, becoming only the third Williamstown VFLW player to achieve this milestone.
In the club statement, it said while Meade had an impressive career and holds the record as the longest serving Williamstown VFLW player, her legacy at the club as a great leader and true Williamstown warrior will be the most lasting.
“The Williamstown Football Club extends a huge thank you to Erin for all she has done for our VFLW program over the past seven years and wishes her all the best for what comes next.”
