Greater Western Sydney AFLW player Jacinda Barclay passes away
Tributes are flowing for esteemed sportswoman Jacinda Barclay who has died at age 29. Barclay was a multi-sport star, representing GWS in the AFLW, the Australian baseball team and playing professional football in America.
NSW
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AFL Women’s player Jacinda Barclay has died.
Barclay, who played 23 games for Greater Western Sydney across all four seasons of the women’s competition, was taken with pick 65 in the inaugural 2016 draft and has been described as “a much-loved member of the Giants family”.
The esteemed sportswoman had also represented the Australian baseball team in five Women’s Baseball World Cups and played professional football for the Chicago Bliss in the Legends Football League in the United States.
“We are all devastated by her passing,” Giants chief David Matthews said.
“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.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Jacinda’s family and friends during this extremely tough time.”
Barclay was 29.
It is understood she had moved back to Perth to be with family and friends as she sought treatment for her mental health.
The Giants utility - who had overcome serious injury in 2010 when she broke both of her legs in a motorbike accident - had spoken in 2019 of her pride in becoming a role model for young women.
She had sought out the Giants once she got word that the AFLW competition was to be brought forward to 2017, making her long-held dream a reality.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic with what I’m getting from AFL at so many levels, in terms of the development as an athlete, on and off the field,” Barclay told AFL.com.au in 2019.
“But, also, I’m loving being a role model to a lot of young females coming up and through. That’s something I’ve always held close to my heart.
“I’m loving that I can have a real impact on people’s lives, in a more positive manner. I’m part of that collective and it’s a big movement.”
Kayla Lee, who played football with Barclay in the US posted a loving tribute.
“Life is short. You never really know what someone is going through. This morning I woke up to the devastating news that we had lost one of the most vibrant, positive and spirited souls on this planet.
“Cinda has been one of my closest friends since we met 7 years ago training and playing in the LFL. She was my quarterback and always had my back. We trained hard, laughed hard and sometimes partied hard together.
“She was a naturally talented multi-sport athlete, who was driven, ambitious and a leader that was fighting demons none of us knew about. I am absolutely heartbroken and in complete shock.”
Former Giants player Phoebe Monahan posted a tribute to her mate on Instagram.
“Rest easy, Barcs,” she wrote.
The AFL also expressed its condolences for Barclay’s family.
“There are few words that we can express at this time, other than to convey our sadness and sincerest condolences to the Barclay family,” league head of AFLW 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.”