Irish Hawk Aileen Gilroy has called time on her AFLW career, effective immediately, drawing to a close her stellar seven-year career at the top level.

The 33-year-old held back tears as she broke the news to her teammates via an emotional video shared from her hometown in Ireland, whilst expressing her deep gratitude for being part of the Hawthorn family.

After starting her career with North Melbourne as a rookie, Gilroy became an inaugural AFLW Hawk on the final day of the AFLW Expansion Signing period in 2022.

Recruited as a defender, Gilroy reached new heights following a radical shift up forward, where she established herself as one of the league’s most explosive and dangerous goalkickers – highlighted by her 2024 All Australian selection.

Gilroy hangs up her boots following 70 AFLW games, including 42 in the brown and gold and 28 with North Melbourne.

Hawthorn General Manager of AFLW Keegan Brooksby thanked Gilroy for her contribution to the club.

“Aileen will always be an inaugural Hawk and our first ever Irish AFLW signing, she’s made a lasting impression on our program and our club,” Brooksby said.

“Known for her ferocity and determination on field, she became a difficult match up for defenders with a powerful right-boot and her ability to impact a game in big moments.

“Aileen has always shown great heart and character off field as well.

“We thank Aileen for her contribution to Hawthorn, and on behalf of everyone at the club I’d like to wish her and her fiancé Peter all the very best for the next chapter.”