HANNAH DUNN has announced her retirement after 45 AFLW games across three clubs.
Dunn came to Port Adelaide as part of the club’s inaugural squad in 2022 after making a name for herself as a tough and reliable defender with the Gold Coast Suns.
Having made her debut for Greater Western Sydney in that club’s first AFLW game in 2017, she went on to play 24 games with the Suns and captained them for two seasons before her move to Alberton.
She played all 20 games in Port Adelaide’s first two seasons and was part of the club’s leadership group, but didn’t take the field in 2024 after announcing her pregnancy and giving birth in October to her first child Oliver.
“I would have loved to keep playing and feel like I probably have a bit more in me, but it was going to prove difficult logistically with Oliver and my husband’s business being interstate,” Dunn explained.
“In saying that, this has been one of the most rewarding and unforgettable chapters of my life. I’m very grateful that I was given the opportunity to play at the highest level. It’s been an absolute privilege to play with and against so many talented players.
“The club has done an excellent job to create a program and an environment that sets its players up for success.
“While it was hard not playing this year, it has probably made the transition to retirement a bit easier. It was so good to see all the hard work pay off for the girls. They put in so much over the off season and this year’s performance was a result of that work. I can’t wait to see what the group can achieve next year and beyond.”
Head of AFLW Shane Grimm thanked Dunn for her contribution to the club.
“Hannah arrived at our club at a time we needed some experience and players who could help set cultural and performance standards, and she has played a huge role in the development of some of our younger players,” he said.
“While we missed having her around the club this year, it was for good reason as she welcomed baby Oliver into her family.
“We are grateful to Hannah for all that she has done for our club and wish her, her husband Hayden and little Oliver well for the future.”
Dunn follows teammates Ange Foley, Maddy Keryk and Olivia Levicki into retirement.