Greater Western Sydney AFLW player Jacinda Barclay passes away
Jacinda Barclay dominated across three sports for a decade - but it was off the playing field where her star shone brightest. See the touching tributes for the “shining comet” taken too soon.
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When Jacinda Barclay was in the room, you knew.
The Giants player was remembered on Wednesday as a “shining comet” and a “much-loved” member of the AFL Women’s, Greater Western Sydney and Australian baseball families after her death at the age of just 29.
Barclay, who played 23 AFLW games for the Giants across all four seasons of the competition and represented Australia in five women’s baseball World Cups, passed away in Perth earlier this week, with her family – which has New Zealand heritage - releasing a touching statement on Wednesday afternoon that was in part written in Maori.
“She was a shining comet that soared through this world casting her radiant light of love on all she met,” it read.
“Though that comet has now shattered into a million pieces, the memory of it will remain a beacon for all women in high-profile sports to strive to excel, to dare to be great while staying humble and proud”.
Raised in Perth and a self-described “country girl”, Barclay once said “if it wasn’t for AFL Women’s, I’d probably be swinging bats in Japan, under arrest in the US or throwing balls from a wheelchair”.
Such was the breadth of her sporting ability and success — and the spark of her personality.
“We are all devastated,” Giants chief executive David Matthews said.
An incredibly sad day for all those who were touched by the life of Jacinda Barclay. She was one of a kind and had a huge impact on our football club. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
— Leon Cameron (@GWSLeon) October 14, 2020
“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.
“As an inaugural Giants AFLW player, Jacinda was a vital part of our club. More than that, though, 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.”
But there had been struggles on her journey.
Barclay, who was unable to commit fully to the AFLW 2021 season and recently listed as an inactive player for the Giants, had returned to Perth to be supported by family and friends – including her parents, Michael and Debbie – as she dealt with her mental health.
The club had been providing support to both Barclay and her family.
Barclay grew up on a farm with her family, and excelled at baseball from an early age – a right-hand pitcher, competing against men, who made her state debut at just 15 and eventually became professional.
There’d been football, too, playing alongside the boys at famous WA clubs like Swan Districts.
But when rules dictated that Barclay – who had also held military ambitions - could no longer play in the boys’ competition, she spent a short period in a women’s competition before deciding “I wanted more as an athlete”.
So baseball it was.
She travelled the world, representing the green and gold with the Emeralds at five World Cups, including a silver medal at the 2010 World Cup in Venezuela.
“I wanted to be the best at whatever I could be and travel the world playing a sport I loved,” Barclay wrote in an Athletes Voice column in 2018.
Her thirst for a challenge never wavered.
After the 2010 World Cup and a serious injury that left her wheelchair bound after a motorbike accident, Barclay’s hunger to further develop as an athlete – harnessing her strong pitching arm – led her to becoming quarterback for the NSW Surge in the inaugural season of LFL Australia and the New Zealand national outfit before American football took her to Chicago.
There, the girl from WA played as quarterback for the Chicago Bliss in the Legends Football League, where she also fought vocally for pay rights and honour as professional athletes and had spoken in 2019 of her pride in becoming a role model for young women.
It was there that she was once arrested for possibly being in breach of her visa.
“I choose to look at the positive in everything,” she wrote in 2018 of that period.
“Progress cannot be achieved by driving a negative thought. You have to take something positive from every situation; and I suppose that attitude flows into my sport and my life as well.”
As a youngster, Barclay had dreamed of playing Australian rules professionally.
And so when the AFLW was fast-tracked to 2017, she wasted no time.
On the front foot, it was she who contacted the Giants, earned herself a spot on the list and described her pride and how she felt “blessed not only to witness this but be a part of it”, going on to play 23 games while also maintaining work commitments, including at one stage on an oil rig.
AFL Women’s boss Nicole Livingstone said “there are few words that we can express at this time, other than to convey our sadness and sincerest condolences to the Barclay family”.
“Jacinda’s loss will be taken very hard by so many people within our game across all levels,” she said.
“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to express my deepest compassion to the Barclay family, friends and colleagues.”
TRIBUTES FLOW FOR THE STAR
AFL
There are few words that we can express at this time, other than to convey our sadness and sincerest condolences to the Barclay family. Jacinda’s loss will be taken very hard by so many people within our game across all levels.
AFL PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION
The AFLPA board, members and staff extend our deepest sympathies to Jacinda’s family, friends and teammates. Jacinda was a talented athlete who represented Australia in baseball and played American football in the US before becoming a foundation player at the GWS Giants.”
GWS GIANTS
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.
BASEBALL AUSTRALIA
It’s truly tragic news and we extend our thoughts to those close to Jacinda. 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. We are deeply shocked and saddened by Jacinda’s passing and the loss of a member of our tight-knit baseball community.
PHOEBE McWILLIAMS
Cinda was such a character. Unpredictable, funny and a teammate who always had your back. She had a heart of gold and was always smiling and making you laugh. I’m so sad to hear she is no longer with us. Thinking of her family and friends and everyone at the @GWSGIANTS 🧡 https://t.co/UheyIzL347
— Phoebe McWilliams (@phoebe_mcw) October 13, 2020
PHOEBE MONAHAN
“Rest easy, Barcs.”
ALYCE PARKER
“We are blessed to have shared precious times with you x.”
TAYLA HARRIS
Thoughts are with Jacinda’s family and friends. I always admired the courage to take on the world and any sport she felt like!
PATRICK DANGERFIELD
Terribly sad news. Rest In Peace Jacinda.
DANIEL HARFORD
Just horrible news. All love and thoughts with friends, family and colleagues
@GWSGIANTS
SARAH PERKINS
RIP, my thoughts are with the Barclay family and the Giants family! Please check in on your mates
MADDISON PRESPAKIS
Heart goes out to Jacinda’s family, friends, teammates and the whole community. Always check in on those closest.
JOSH BRUCE
Such sad news. Please check in on your friends xxx
STEPH MUR (FORMER CHICAGO BLISS TEAMMATE)
Jacinda lived a life that most people could only imagine ... she was an all-round badass person. I feel honoured to have played alongside you and more importantly to have known your beautiful energy and bubbly, comedic personality. Your brightness will never stop shining in our hearts.
Originally published as Greater Western Sydney AFLW player Jacinda Barclay passes away