Following Courtney Wakefield's final AFLW game last Saturday, Richmond Media interviewed the inaugural AFLW Tiger. Here are her thoughts on the decision to retire and her reflections on her time at Tigerland...

Initial feelings

"I hadn't planned to finish up today obviously, none of us had. But now is an opportunity to sit down and reflect on the journey it's been. I'm really proud of this season and glad to have been a part of it. The overwhelming feeling is sad but content."

Reflecting on her career

"I've been here since the beginning of our Richmond Women's program and am extremely proud to be a part of that. There are lots of memories to look back on and I'm sure there will be many stories shared over the next week or so."

Has it sunk in yet?

"It has now. (Being chaired off) was a special moment. I didn't really want to get up there, but it was a fitting end to the journey. The girls have been by my side from day one and it's been a real privilege and I've loved every minute of it."

Why does the time feel right?

"The kids need me. I've given all I can, I think. I know I can compete at the top level still and to go out on my terms is something that I'm proud of as well. I've got a lot to give to the program still if I decided to, but I've also go a lot to give as a mum and a wife and a business partner, and I'm really excited for this next chapter."

Could you ever imagine your career would transpire in such a way?

"Never in my wildest dreams. We were certainly going to leave no stone unturned in this pursuit, but it seemed like everything was against us in terms of location and logistics and everything. But, I've had the most amazing support team every step of the way and it's thanks to them that we are here today."

Highlights of her time at Tigerland

"Being here from the beginning as an original Tiger and then into the AFLW has been a big honour. Doing it as a mum has been extra special. That first win against Geelong in our second season. And then this season, we created history from day one, and then today still creating history four seasons on, is really special."

Her family's impact on her career

"They've been amazing. Til and Sid (her children) aren't old enough to understand how important they've been in this journey, but I hope one day when they're old enough they'll be really proud. If this is the path Til would like to take, I hope I've forged that for her from Top Hut here to Punt Road. Tom (her husband) is a beautiful man, he's got a big heart. Football was never his love, but what's important to me is important to Tom, and he's been there every step of the way. I can't think him enough for his unwavering support."

Her Tiger teammates

"They've a special group of girls. There are girls who have been there from the beginning like Kate Dempsey, from the very beginning with me up until now, she'll carry the foundations laid and that legacy throughout her career as well. From our first AFLW season, Mon Conti, Katie Brennan and Maddy Brancatisano, to the girls this season. There are times I've felt alone, but have never been lonely, and they've always been there for me. Once again, their support has been unwavering and they've allowed me to be a teammate from a distance at times and never questioned that, and they've made this journey what it is.

What's next?

"Farm life, mum life. Tom's had his hands full at Top Hut and we've got our hands full moving forward. Maybe more children, we'd like to build on our family as well. We created a wonderful life prior to coming into this AFLW journey and I'm really excited to continue that with Tom, Til and Sid."

Message to the Tiger army

"It's been amazing. I hope you've loved it as much as I have. I hope I've left you with some wonderful memories. I've given my heart and soul to this program and the support of the Tiger Army has been huge. Every minute we play, we play for you guys, I love you all."