AFL Women's Rd 3 - GWS v Fremantle
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: Jacinda Barclay of the Giants celebrates a goal during the Women's round three match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Fremantle Dockers at Blacktown International Sportspark on February 18, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

GWS AFLW player Jacinda Barclay has died this week aged 29.

The key forward played 23 games for the Giants over four seasons after getting drafted with Pick 65 in the inaugural 2016 AFLW Draft.

She was added to the Giants' inactive list earlier this month and was not going to appear in the 2021 season.

Highly regarded as a cross-code pioneer in women's sport, Barclay was an Australian baseball representative and a championship-winning quarterback in America’s Legends Football League.

Giants Chief Executive David Matthews mourned Barclay's passing.

“Jacinda was a much-loved member of the Giants family and we are all devastated by her passing,” Matthews told the club website.

“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.”

AFL head of women's football Nicole Livingstone said the football community was deeply saddened by the tragic news.

“There are few words that we can express at this time, other than to convey our sadness and sincerest condolences to the Barclay family,” 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.”

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