Essendon’s Amelia Radford has announced her retirement from AFLW football, bringing an end to a memorable career in the red and black.
Radford departs the Bombers having played 30 AFLW games since making her debut in the Club’s inaugural season in 2022, becoming a valued member of the program.
Her path to the elite level was an unconventional one, with Radford returning to football after playing soccer for 13 years before joining Essendon’s VFLW program.
She quickly made her mark, playing an important role in the Bombers 2022 VFLW premiership before earning a place in the inaugural AFLW list, being taken at pick 62 in the 2022 Draft.
Radford continued to establish herself at senior level, featuring across the wing and through the midfield while becoming a reliable contributor throughout her time in the red and black.
The 2024 campaign proved a career-best year for Radford, averaging more than 15 disposals per game and providing an important presence around the contest.
She also featured in both of Essendon’s AFLW finals appearances to date (2023 & 2024), playing a part in the Club’s early growth in the competition.
After suffering an ACL injury ahead of the 2025 season, Radford remained an important part of the program, with her experience and leadership continuing to make an impact away from the field.
Essendon’s General Manager of AFLW Aysha Ward thanked Radford for her contribution to the AFLW and VFLW programs whilst at the Bombers.
“‘Amelia has made a valuable contribution to our women’s programs since joining Essendon, and we thank her for everything she has given to the Club,” Ward said.
“She made the most of her opportunity and played an important role in our VFLW premiership before establishing herself at senior level.
“She will always be an inaugural Bomber who has continued to show resilience through injury setbacks whilst always giving back to her teammates in a professional and caring way.
“We congratulate Millsy on her career and everyone at the Club wishes her the absolute best for the future.”
