Jacinda Barclay, a sporting juggernaut that carved out her legacy as Greater Western Sydney AFLW, and also represented Australia at five baseball World Cups, has died at the age of 29.
Her death was confirmed in a statement earlier today by GWS chief executive David Matthews.
“Jacinda was a much-loved member of the Giants family and we are all devastated by her passing,” expressed Matthews.
“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 played for the Greater Western Sydney Giants as recently as March. She first cut her teeth with the Giants’ in 2017. During her time with the team, she played 23 games — kicking 11 goals in four campaigns.
“There are few words that we can express at this time, other than to convey our sadness and sincerest condolences to the Barclay family,” says AFL’s head of women’s football Nicole Livingstone in a statement. “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.”
In addition to her career as an AFL weapon, Jacinda Barclay represented Australia’s national women’s baseball team, the Emeralds, at World Cups in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.
In 2016, Barclay was scouted by the Chicago Bliss for America’s Legends Football League and won a championship during her first season.
