CARLTON veteran Elise O’Dea has announced her retirement from the game. 

The 31-year-old informed her teammates at the Club on Tuesday night, bringing an end to an outstanding AFLW career. 

Following a distinguished resume at state level that included five premierships with the Darebin Falcons, O’Dea joined Melbourne for the inaugural 2017 AFLW season, forming a key part of the Demons’ formative years in the AFLW. 

After four seasons she then crossed to IKON Park in 2021 and made an instant impact on the playing group, going on to be named co-vice captain of the Club, alongside Darcy Vescio after her first season.  

She played a total 56 AFLW games, 28 in the Navy Blue.  

O’Dea reflected on the gratitude she felt after such a memorable football journey.  

“This game has given me so much on the field but off the field as well, through the friendships I’ve made and countless memories,” O’Dea said.  

“I feel so grateful to have played in the first seven seasons of this competition, it has been a real privilege to be a part of and something I will always cherish.  

“Thank you so much to Melbourne and Carlton for the opportunities they gave me to live out my dream, and to all the fans for their support. AFLW is only just getting started and I cannot wait to see it continue to thrive long into the future.” 

Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd expressed the impact O’Dea had on IKON Park.  

“Elise’s energy, experience and selfless attitude has proved to be a guiding hand for our younger players,” Lloyd said.  

“Elise is one of those people that makes the environment around her better. She injects positivity and out football club is a better place for having Elise as part of it.”