Perth Glory skipper Natasha Rigby has announced her shock retirement but she hopes the financial instability that cut her career short won't be a problem for future generations.
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Rigby has made 117 consecutive A-League Women appearances across eight seasons since making her debut in 2016.
The 31-year-old says physically she could have played on for several more years.
But the financial sacrifice of forging an ALW career instead of a professional one convinced Rigby the time was right to hang up the boots.
"It definitely was a difficult decision. It's one I've been thinking about for a long time now," Rigby said.
"Although there has been significant growth in the women's game, unfortunately we still struggle financially.
"So 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.
"I probably still have a few years left in my body, but my heart has given everything to Glory."
Rigby has taken up a role as manager of female football and advocacy at Football West.
One of her big dreams is to ensure ALW players in the future are paid enough to be able to see out their careers in full.
"I've seen a lot of growth and development over the time I've been involved," Rigby said.
"Now that we do have a full home-and-away season, I think it's important to now look at compensating the players and moving to a full-time structure.
"We can see from the momentum that the women's World Cup created that women's football is a product that's very viable, and consumers have a taste for it.
"We can no longer use the excuse that no one watches women's sports.
"We really need to invest in that.
"I hope we can leverage off that and look to see players playing much later into their careers, rather than having to take a step back because of the implications the negative financial situation poses."
Rigby captained Perth over the past five years and became just the third player to notch 100 ALW appearances for the club.
During her career the tough defender made grand-final appearances in 2017 and 2019 - losing on both occasions.
Glory coach Alex Epakis praised Rigby's leadership and fighting spirit.
"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," Epakis said.
"Her character has been threaded throughout the DNA of the team and her legacy will no doubt remain within our team."
Australian Associated Press
