Gold Coast SUNS life member Jamie Stanton has today announced her retirement from AFLW football at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Stanton informed her teammates on Tuesday morning that the 2026 season would be her final, bringing to a close a career spanning 11 seasons and three clubs.

The 30-year-old is the last remaining SUNS AFLW foundation player after becoming one of the club’s first AFLW signings in 2019, following stints at North Melbourne and Brisbane.

Known for her relentless attack on the ball and elite football IQ, Stanton was the SUNS’ first AFLW Club Champion and Players’ Player before also leading the club’s goalkicking on two occasions.

In 2023, she kicked a club record and career-best six goals in a demolition win over West Coast in her 50th AFLW game and late last season became just one of five players to reach 50 club games in SUNS colours.

The former vice-captain made club history in 2025 as the first AFLW player to receive Gold Coast SUNS life membership.

Stanton’s contribution to football in Queensland has also extended beyond the Austworld Centre, helping foster the next generation of footballers through roles with the Queensland State Team and Southport State High School.

Reflecting on her career, Stanton said she was immensely proud of a journey which began as a draftee in 2016.

“When I think about the girl who was drafted in 2016, I don’t think she would believe the journey that was ahead of her. To finish with 11 seasons across three clubs is something I’ll always look back on with enormous pride,” Stanton said.

“Coming to Gold Coast and helping build something here has been particularly special. It’s brought some of the most challenging but rewarding moments of my career and helped shape me into the person I am today.

“I’m so excited about where this group is heading. It feels like the right time for me to exit stage left, let the young ones take over and stop pretending I can keep up with them.”

“I’m leaving knowing I gave this game everything I had, and I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to achieve.

“What I’ll cherish most about football is the people. I’ve shared a locker room with so many incredible teammates who have left a lasting mark on my life. Football has given me lifelong friends, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”

Gold Coast SUNS Chairman Bob East congratulated Stanton on an outstanding career.

“Jamie becoming the first AFLW player to receive Gold Coast SUNS life membership was fitting recognition of the enormous contribution she has made to our club,” East said.

“As a foundation player of both the AFLW competition and our AFLW program, she has played an integral role in the growth of women’s football both here in Queensland and across the country.

“She leaves a legacy that will continue to be felt here on the Gold Coast for many, many years to come and on behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate Jamie on an incredible career and thank her for all she has given to our football club.”

Gold Coast SUNS Chief Executive Mark Evans said Stanton’s influence had been felt across the AFLW program since its inception.

“As one of our first AFLW signings and a foundation player, Jamie has been an integral part of our program from its very beginning,” Evans said.

“Since joining our club, Jamie has been committed to not only getting the absolute best out of herself, but also those around her. You would be hard-pressed to find a player as dedicated and hard-working as Jamie, and she has given everything to our club across the journey.”

“We would like to thank Jamie for her significant contributions to our football club and wish her all the best in what’s next.”