Brooke Walker has officially announced her retirement from the AFLW, calling time on a diverse career in elite sport which included 32 games in four seasons with Essendon.
The Kiwi-born Bomber informed teammates of her decision just prior to their final home-and-away game against Collingwood on Sunday, confirming she would not be continuing her playing career in 2027.
Raised in Christchurch, Walker’s elite strength and athleticism shot her up the ranks in multiple sporting ventures – upon moving to Australia, she represented the green and gold in Touch Football and eventually Rugby Sevens, where she won Silver at the 2015 Pacific Games and was a travelling emergency for the side that took home Gold at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Walker transitioned to the AFLW ahead of 2019 as a Blue and represented Carlton 26 times across five seasons before joining the Bombers via trade.
Versatility, hard running and fierce tackling pressure quickly established Walker as a staple in the best 21 – she played every game across 2023 and ’24 including both of the Dons’ Elimination Final appearances and slotted a memorable goal on the road against Fremantle in the latter.
Walker notched up her 50th AFLW game in round one of 2025 and capped it off by again hitting the scoreboard in the defeat over GWS.
Bouncing back from an unfortunate ACL rupture, Walker added another five games to her tally in 2026 to take her career total to 58 games, going out on a high note with the win over Collingwood.
Walker thanked her teammates and the programs that’ve supported her over a unique footy journey.
Essendon’s GM – AFLW Aysha Ward congratulated Walker on her career and thanked her for being a key driver of culture at the Dons in her four seasons.
“'Brok’ has been a club person of the absolute highest quality and we’re thankful for what she’s given to our program,” Ward said.
“When we welcomed her in that trade from Carlton, it was clear we wanted to bring in someone with genuine leadership and on-field aggression, and a real locker room presence – we got that in spades.
“She has brought a wealth of experience, leadership and professionalism throughout her time in the red and black. Her selflessness and commitment to the team have left a lasting impact on the playing group, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed to the Club.
“We wish her all the best in retirement. She’ll always be welcome back at Essendon.”
