It was announced at midday on Wednesday that Shepparton’s Angela Foley had decided to hang up her boots after an eight-year career in the AFLW with Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
Foley entered the top flight seven years ago, when the AFLW first began, and was named Adelaide’s inaugural co-vice-captain back in 2017, playing 40 games in Crows colours.
She then switched factions to Port Adelaide in 2022 and went on to play a further 33 games with the Power while also assuming leadership roles at the club.
Foley doted on her time in the AFLW as she addressed her retirement, thanking both Adelaide clubs for allowing her to pursue her footballing dream.
“I am so grateful for my time at the Port Adelaide and Adelaide Football Clubs,” she said.
“To retire a Port Adelaide player after a fantastic year is a real honour. I’m proud of what we achieved as a group and I know the future is bright for this team, with the belief and depth of talent coming through,” she said.
“The Port Adelaide fans have been incredible, and have been behind us every step of the way.
“I’m excited to join them on the sidelines next year, and watch a game or two from the Precinct deck.
“I’ve been extremely lucky to have the experiences I’ve had, and the friendships I’ve made across both clubs will stay with me forever.”
Foley was an integral part of Port Adelaide’s side which progressed to the semi-finals this season.
Despite the Power’s loss to North Melbourne on Saturday ensuring the hard-running mid-defender wouldn’t be able to book a grand final swansong, Foley can look back on a sparkling career that inspired many female footballers from the Goulburn Valley.
Throughout her football career, Foley has balanced her sporting commitments with her teaching duties at Seymour College, another institution she thanked for its support.
“Seymour have been amazing to me, and I can’t thank them enough for helping me juggle football with teaching over the last few years,” she said.
“It feels like the time is right to finish my footy career, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Finally, Foley received acknowledgment from Head of AFLW Shane Grimm on a standout career.
“I’d like to congratulate Ange on her AFLW career,” Grimm said.
“Ange has been an important member of our playing group since our women’s team was established. Her training standards are high, and she demands the best of herself and those around her.
“She has been a vocal leader for our group, and it’s been a pleasure to work alongside her at Port Adelaide.
“We wish her all the very best for the future.”
21°C