Perth Glory A-League Women's captain Natasha Rigby has cited financial insecurity and instability as having played a large role in her decision to retire from the game aged just 31.
Rigby played 117 games for the Glory across eight seasons and captained the side from 2019.
She also played in two ALW grand finals for the club, in 2017 and 2019.
"Although there has been significant growth in the women's game over the time I've been involved, unfortunately we still struggle financially," Rigby said in her retirement video.
"That instability and insecurity has been something that has been a bit of a barrier for myself, along with looking to build a sustainable future."
Rigby pointed to the Women's World Cup as an example of interest in the women's game and called for more investment.
"We can no longer use the excuse that no-one watches women's sports," she said.
"We really need to invest in that, and I hope we can leverage off of that and look to see players playing much later on into their careers, instead of having to take a step back because of the implications that the negative financial situation poses."
'It's been my decision'
Rigby retires as one of just three players to reach the 100-game milestone for Perth and said she could have played on.
"I probably still have a few years left in my body, but I think my heart has given everything to Glory," she said.
"I know I'm leaving it in very, very capable hands.
"It's great to go out knowing that it's been my decision. I think that's really powerful."
Rigby played alongside some of the Glory's greatest players, including current Matildas captain Sam Kerr and club legend Kim Carrol.
"There's been so many phenomenal players that I've played with so yeah, lots of amazing influences," she said.
Glory coach leads tributes
Perth coach Alex Epakis led the tributes for Rigby.
"Tash has represented the club and led the ALW team in a manner which is reflective of her unwavering character," he said.
"She has always led from the front and found a way to bring the best out of different groups of people over the years, particularly during the uncertainty caused in recent seasons by COVID-19 with relocation, hubs and the like."
Rigby has recently been appointed manager of female football and advocacy at Football West.
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