Alisha Habib has announced her retirement from football, after playing in Geelong’s VFLW team throughout the past two seasons.
The 37 year old told the playing group of her decision to hang up the boots at training on Thursday night, after 14 games for the Cats.
“I spoke to the group and the coaching staff and I probably decided a couple of weeks ago in terms of where my life is heading after footy, with my age being a big factor,” she said.
“With my work balance I decided that I couldn’t give that commitment to the squad and the club. It’s such an elite program I thought that it’s time for me to step down and start the next phase of my life.”
Habib said that standing in front of her teammates to announce her retirement was the most difficult part of her decision.
“I’ve bonded and made a lot of memories with the girls so it was a bit of mixed emotions. Some of them were shocked, some of them were a bit upset, but they were pleased for me and proud that I’ve had a great career.”
A veteran of football, Habib previously played for North Geelong and Darebin in the former VWFL competition. She spent seven seasons at Darebin and won five premierships before moving to North Geelong as a playing-coach for two years and winning one flag.
While at Geelong Habib kicked 12 goals in her 14 games. She played 10 games for the Cats in their inaugural VFLW season, and also the first four matches of the 2018 season. Her most memorable moment while at the club was her final match against Carlton in round four this year.
“The best memory was when we played Carlton at GMHBA Stadium and we won in a thriller,” she said.
“Just to see the biggest crowd we’ve ever played in front of, it was great to see them supporting us and women’s footy.
“Also just putting on the Geelong jumper, walking in there and representing Geelong Football Club was just an honour.”
Geelong VFLW coach Paul Hood praised Habib for her dedication and leadership while at the Cats.
“She’s been fantastic from day one of the program, since that very first talent identification day way back in November 2016,” he said.
“Alisha’s really driven the group, been a great leader, an inspirational role model and our chief celebrator of goals and anything good that’s happened.”
Although this is the end of her playing career, Habib would love to assume a coaching position in the future.
“I’ll go away and regroup myself and come back and do some mentoring and coaching duties if I can.
“Hopefully there’s a position there down the track that I can teach these girls a bit more knowledge of footy.”
