Port Adelaide midfielder Kirsty Lamb has announced her retirement from AFLW football at the conclusion of the 2026 season, bringing an end to a decorated career spanning the competition’s first decade. 

A foundation player in the AFLW competition, Lamb made her debut in 2017 and went on to play 91* games and kick 31* goals across her career, establishing herself as one of the competition’s toughest and most respected midfielders. 

Lamb joined Port Adelaide during the 2023 AFLW draft period, bringing a wealth of experience to Alberton after seven seasons with the Western Bulldogs, where she was a member of the club’s 2018 premiership side. 

Her individual achievements included All-Australian selection in 2022 and the AFL Players’ Association’s Most Courageous Player Award in the same year, recognising her uncompromising approach and willingness to put her body on the line for her teammates. 

A three-time Players’ Player at the Bulldogs, Lamb also finished runner-up in the club’s Best and Fairest in 2021 and third in 2018, having been named its Most Improved Player in her debut season. 

At Port Adelaide, Lamb’s toughness, professionalism and football knowledge made her a valuable contributor to the playing group, while her experience helped strengthen the club’s AFLW program. She was also named in the club’s leadership group in 2025. 

The highly-decorated midfielder will call time after almost a decade at the highest level. Image: Matt Sampson.

Lamb said the decision to retire had been difficult, but she was proud of what she had achieved throughout her career. 

“As much as I’d love to play forever, I knew my football career would have to come to an end at some stage, and I know that time is now. It feels right,” Lamb said. 

“I've obviously been so fortunate to be in this competition for 10 years and played 11 seasons. I think some of my teammates were eight or nine years old when I first started. It’s a little bit wild! 

“Draft day for me feels like yesterday. I sat there and watched 120 names get called out, and none of them were mine. I gave up watching and ended up missing my own name getting called out. 

“I was pick 138 out of 142 in that first draft, and for a short period of time, I felt like my AFLW dream was over. I will always be grateful to a couple of those people at the Bulldogs who watched me play a few games that year, while I was still playing cricket, and saw enough in me to give me a chance. 

“I’d like to thank the Bulldogs. They invested in me as a footballer for seven years. It was a hell of a ride, and I’m thankful for all the teammates and coaches I had during that journey. 

Lamb spent seven years at the Bulldogs, winning a premiership in 2018. Image: AFL Photos.

“I was stuck in a bit of a hole three years ago, and Port gave me the opportunity for a fresh start, which is really what I needed. This club allowed me to pursue my dream and come and play for the club I grew up barracking for. To wear the same jumper as Uncle Paul is something that I'll always be very grateful for. 

“Footy has taught me a fair bit about myself and as a person. While I won’t miss the time trials and fitness testing, I will miss the people and my teammates immensely. 

“From the 14-year-old kid who was told she wasn't allowed to play footy anymore, to 18 years later being able to live out my dream and play for as many years as I have, I'm very grateful. It's been incredible. 

“There will always be a place in my heart for both Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs. There is life after football, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter and being closer to my family.” 

Lamb says she's looking forward to the next stage of her life. Image: Matt Sampson.

Port Adelaide Head of AFLW Dan Merrett paid tribute to Lamb’s contribution to the club and the wider competition, highlighting the qualities she brought to the program. 

“Kirsty has had an outstanding career, and her achievements are a testament to the toughness, commitment and professionalism she has brought to football over many years. 

“She has been an important part of our program since joining Port Adelaide, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge while setting a strong example for her teammates through the way she prepares and competes. 

“We thank Kirsty for everything she has given to our club and wish her all the very best as she returns home to Victoria to be closer to her family.”