GWS midfielder Courtney Gum retires after two AFLW seasons and is keen for more family time

Greater Western Sydney midfielder Courtney Gum says she is comfortable with her decision to retire after just two AFLW seasons and plans to spend more time with her family in Adelaide.

Courtney Gum is chaired from the field after playing her last AFLW match for the Giants. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

• South SANFLW heroes Gum and Steen on life on and off the field
• Port "absolutely keen" for AFLW team at next intake
• Redlegs smash Bloods, Sturt wins without goal scored in SANFLW
• Redlegs cross-code athlete wins SANFLW Player of the Week

Courtney Gum generally does not like being the centre of attention on the footy field.

But after soaking up the final moments of her short and illustrious AFLW career at UNSW Canberra Oval this month, the 37-year-old midfielder was made to feel special by her GWS Giants teammates.

“About a minute before the final siren I did actually take a moment because we were up by five goals, just to take it all in,” says Gum, who retires after 14 matches in two seasons.

“When the final siren went we were just so happy to get that win (over Geelong by 31 points).

Courtney Gum (centre) Picture: AAP /Rohan Thomson

“The girls really got around me.

“Generally I probably don’t like that sort of attention.

“(Giants teammate) Tanya Hetherington really pushed carrying me off the field, even though I said ‘no’.

“But it was really nice to feel appreciated and acknowledged.”

Gum, of Port Willunga, has been one of the AFLW’s feel-good stories.

After being overlooked at the competition’s inaugural draft, the Giants selected her in 2017 — at age 36 — and she went on to claim the Players’ MVP and be named All-Australian in her debut season.

Courtney Gum being hunted by Geelong’s Denby Taylor during their AFLW clash this month.
Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Gum always knew she would hang up the boots at the end of this campaign because she wanted to spend more time with her partner, GWS assistant Krissie Steen, and their four-year-old son, Buz.

“It was quite difficult with the commitment this year, having Krissie working and having Buz there (in Sydney), trying to find a job and Buz childcare,” Gum says.

“I think there were too many commitments there and that really cemented my thought process finishing up.

“We also want to have another baby and get back to normal life in Adelaide.

“The girls are getting faster, the game is getting faster and I think it’s time to give the younger girls an opportunity.”

Courtney Gum with son Buz, now 4, and partner Krissie Steen. Picture: AAP/ Keryn Stevens

Steen, who coached Gum and South Adelaide to last year’s SANFLW premiership, watched her partner’s farewell match from the Giants’ coaches box.

“She just had a tear in her eye and said ‘I’m really proud of you’, which was really nice,” Gum says.

Even though the couple are returning to Adelaide, Gum has ruled out having a kick for South for its remaining five SANFLW games this season.

“I’ve officially retired,” says Gum, who owns Kinetic Balance Physiotherapy at Noarlunga.

“I think it’s time for us to spend some time together as a family now and for us to get back on track.”

Steen is unsure if she will return to GWS as an assistant next season.