The GIANTS would like to congratulate one of its longest-serving and most valued players on a remarkable career and for her invaluable contributions to the club as Pepa Randall announces her retirement from AFLW.

One of the most capped GIANTS in AFLW history, Randall finishes her career with 62 games across eight seasons in orange and charcoal.

Joining the club in 2017 following a trade with the Demons, Randall went on to become an integral part of the club’s AFLW program and one of the side’s most reliable performers as a key pillar in defence.

A recurring member of the club’s AFLW leadership group, Randall’s experience, talent, and wisdom have been invaluable to the GIANTS across the last eight seasons.

Extremely athletic and brilliant one-on-one, Randall quickly became one of the competition’s best defenders  and in 2018 was named in the AFLW’s All-Australian squad.

Ever-reliable down back, Randall was frequently able to nullify some of the league’s best forwards while also using her pace and agility to turn defence into attack with her dash and dare.

In 2023, Randall celebrated her 50th AFLW game during the GIANTS’ round nine clash with the Suns on the Gold Coast, marking a significant milestone in her decorated career.

Randall ends her playing career leaving a huge legacy at the GIANTS, with her determination, her passion for the game and for her teammates, and her consistency on the field making her one of the side’s most important players in the club’s history.

Randall’s retirement comes after a brilliant 2024 season in which she finished inside the top 10 of the Gabrielle Trainor Medal following a starring campaign in the backline.

Randall announced her retirement to the playing group on Wednesday afternoon.

"I've contemplated it (retirement) every year, asking myself, do I really want to do this again. Is it, the right idea? Is it the right decision? Can I commit myself in the right way?" Randall said.

"I feel like I had that conversation with myself almost every season, and I think probably having that conversation with myself meant that every time I did come back, I wanted to be here, and I was motivated and ready to go. 

"This year I was having that conversation with myself again and the motivation to come back in and that kind of hunger and desire to be competitive just wasn't there."

When reflecting on her time at the GIANTS, Randall added:

"It's like a bit cheesy and a bit cliche, but I really, genuinely believe that what we have up here is pretty unique and pretty special, and I feel like I've been able to make a huge contribution to that."

GIANTS Executive General Manager of AFLW and Football Operations, Alison Zell, congratulated Randall on her stellar career.

"We congratulate Pepa on her outstanding career and her amazing contribution to the GIANTS,” Zell said.

“Her commitment, work ethic, and passion for the game have set an example for all players, and we are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved during her time at the club.

“As one of the most capped GIANTS in our AFLW program, Pepa will leave a strong legacy as a fierce competitor and someone who always had the back of her teammates.

“The club once again thanks Pepa for her dedication and the impact she’s had on the GIANTS and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”