Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Anna Harrington

Talented Aussie sportswoman Barclay dies

Greater Western Sydney AFLW player Jacinda Barclay, who also represented Australia at five baseball World Cups, has died at the age of 29.

A host of her AFLW counterparts took to social media with tributes while GWS CEO David Matthews said Barclay would "always be a part of our club".

"Jacinda was a much-loved member of the Giants family and we are all devastated by her passing," Matthews said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Jacinda gave up a great deal to follow her sporting dreams around the world and we are grateful that she called our club home for four years... Jacinda's spirit and infectious personality made her a popular and unforgettable member of the Giants family.

"She will always be a part of our club.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with Jacinda's family and friends during this extremely tough time."

A talented sportswoman, Barclay made her international baseball debut as a 17-year-old and won a silver medal at the 2010 World Cup before she played American football in Australia and the US between 2012 and 2016.

Barclay then turned her attentions to AFLW, joining the competition in the Giants' first season in 2017 and going on to play a total of 23 games, kicking 11 goals in four campaigns.

The forward was put on GWS' inactive player list earlier this month and was not going to feature in the 2021 AFLW season.

The West Australian born Barclay began playing Australian Rules football at the age of 12 but concentrated on baseball in her teenage years.

She represented Australia's national women's baseball team the Emeralds at World Cups in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

"Jacinda made a significant contribution not only to our sport over a long period of time but a number of other sports, on and off the field," Baseball Australia chief executive Cam Vale said.

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by Jacinda's passing and the loss of a member of our tight-knit baseball community."

In her American football career, Barclay led the NSW Surge to the LFL Australia title in the competition's first and only season in 2013-14, playing as a quarterback.

In 2016, Barclay was scouted by the Chicago Bliss for America's Legends Football League and won a championship in her first season.

She returned to Australian Rules football when the AFLW began.

"There are few words that we can express at this time, other than to convey our sadness and sincerest condolences to the Barclay family," AFL head of women's football Nicole Livingstone said.

"Jacinda's loss will be taken very hard by so many people within our game across all levels.

"On behalf of the AFL, I would like to express my deepest compassion to the Barclay family, friends and colleagues."

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.