Gold Coast SUNS defender Georgia Clayden announced in May that she is pregnant, but that hasn't stopped her from remaining actively involved in the club's football program.
Despite being on the inactive list for 2026, the 31-year-old has continued to be an important part of the SUNS during the team's impressive start to the AFLW campaign.
Now in her final trimester, Clayden continues to train with modifications and is still spotted at the Austworld Centre on training days, following her own routine of shorter runs with more rest, modified gym work, Pilates and swimming.
She has remained involved in several areas of the program, working with General Manager of Women's Football Erin Phillips and Senior Coach Rhyce Shaw to find ways she can contribute.
"Creating that environment means that I'm keeping so fit and healthy now, which I know is going to help so much postpartum," Clayden said.
"The club's been really good. Erin [Phillips] and Shawry [Rhyce Shaw] have helped me find where I fit."
Earlier in her pregnancy, Clayden helped coaches with drills and training set-up before moving into more of an off-field role. She now helps coordinate the team's 'fines' and delivers presentations to the group, particularly the club's younger cohort.
"I've been very lucky. I've had a pretty good pregnancy," Clayden said.
"A bit of morning sickness to start with, but not much really. So I've been feeling really good."
It's been more than four years since Clayden made the move to the Gold Coast following her selection in the Season 7 Supplementary Draft. The former netballer and volleyballer from Canberra has been a mainstay in the SUNS side since, playing 44 matches and earning the club's Players' Player award following her first season.
She was also a member of the SUNS leadership group in both 2024 and 2025.
After tying the knot last autumn, and while weighing up the balance between wanting to start a family and the rigours of being an elite athlete, Clayden and her husband Simon felt the timing was right to take that next step.
"A lot of the girls are funny. They're like, 'You're already like a mum of the group, so you'll be fine.' But it's starting to get real, I think, as the belly gets bigger," the mum-to-be said.
"I'm like, well, I'm going to have a little human that I'm actually going to be in charge of, which is crazy. But no, I'm very excited."
Watching from the sidelines has been tough, especially with the SUNS making such a strong start to the AFLW season.
"It still is hard, because you watch, and we're playing such good footy, and I'd love to be out there playing in that," she said.
"But I've learned so much about other parts of the game while being inactive this season, and I've loved remaining involved as much as possible with the group. We're playing really exciting football and it's a great environment to be a part of."
