Richmond forward Courtney Wakefield has announced her retirement from AFLW football after four seasons and 30 games at the top level.

A former junior footballer in the Sunraysia region, Wakefield was forced to give up the game she loved for close to 20 years before attending a Richmond Talent ID Day in Bendigo, just seven weeks after giving birth to her second child.

Aged 31 at the time, Wakefield joined Richmond ahead of the Club's initial VFLW season in 2018, making the 1200km round trip to Melbourne from her home at Top Hut Station for training sessions and games.

Wakefield was the Club's first VFLW elevation onto its inaugural AFLW list, quickly establishing herself as one of the competition's best key forwards.

The 35-year-old had a career-best season in Season 7, booting 14 goals and earning selection in the All-Australian squad of 42.

Wakefield finishes her career with 31 majors, having topped the Tigers' goalkicking in 2020 and Season 7.

An excellent contested mark, reliable kick at goal, and strong pressure player, Wakefield will be remembered as a popular teammate and person to have around the Club.

The mother of two said it was difficult to call time on her AFLW career- sighting the desire to return home full time to her farm in Top Hut with her husband Tom and children Tilly and Sid as a critical factor.

"It is always hard to walk away from something that you love and (while) knowing that I am still very capable of performing at the top level, but I have made a lot of sacrifices over the years," she said.

"We are lucky enough to have been able to create a very beautiful life prior to starting in the AFLW, and I am really excited for what lies ahead of us.

"This (football) journey has been remarkable; it has been character-building and life-changing; I have lived out a childhood dream."

Wakefield said she was proud to have been a part of the Richmond Women's program from the beginning.

"From day one, I guess I have been a part of making history which is very special, and the foundations laid will live on long after I am gone," she added.

"It has obviously been challenging; being a mum and a wife, spending so much time away from my children. But the Club and my teammates' support has been unwavering.

"I just hope I fulfilled my end of the bargain over the last four seasons."

Richmond Head of Women's Football, Kate Sheahan, paid tribute to Wakefield.

"We cannot thank Courtney and her family enough for their sacrifices and contributions to the Richmond Football Club," she said.

"With the setbacks, roadblocks, and kilometers travelled along the way, it would have been easy for Courtney to say it is all too hard, but her determination, dedication, and style of play have seen her remain such a great role model for her teammates across her entire Richmond journey.

"Courtney goes out while at the top of her game, and I am thrilled she has gained some recognition this year. Her story will be told for many years to come."