Kim Carroll has announced her retirement, with the Perth Glory veteran set to hang up the boots at the end of the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season.
The A-League Women icon will retire with more than 150 A-League Women appearances to her name, accrued across two stints at Brisbane Roar and two in Perth.
Carroll made her A-League Women debut for Brisbane in the competition’s inaugural season in 2008, and has since been a mainstay in the league, winning a premiership and championship for the Queenslanders whilst venturing to two grand finals with Perth.
The 35-year-old, who earned 58 Matildas caps between 2005 and 2014, made her 150th league appearance in the 2022-23 season against Wellington Phoenix.
With three fixtures left for Glory to play in the current campaign, Carroll can take her overall appearance tally to 159 by the end of the season. The stalwart defender says the time is right – although it had not been an easy decision to call time on her storied career.
“In the last couple of seasons, it’s been in the back of my mind,” Carroll said.
“I’d love to play forever, but that’s not reality.
“The plan was to stop when I stopped enjoying it, but that hasn’t been the case as I’m still enjoying it and I’m keeping up and I’m competitive.
“But it just feels like the right time. I wanted to finish on my terms, not play on until I’m not enjoying it and I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.
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“I’ve got a partner now and I’m looking to enjoy life outside football.
“Perth means a lot to me and it’s become home in a sense and the fans have been great over the years.
“I’d like to thank my partner and my family, along with the fantastic players that I’ve played with throughout my career.
“There’s also my boss at work, who has been really understanding and there have been a lot of coaches and support staff along the way and people at clubs that I’ve kept in touch with.
“Once the season finishes, it’ll be nice to have a relaxing holiday and then I’ll focus on my other career and hopefully a family.”
Glory Head Coach Alex Epakis added: “Kim has been a long-serving asset to the women’s game and to the wider context of Australian football.
“Her decision to retire at the end of the season is one which I respect and I am very pleased she has been able to make this decision on her terms and on her timing.
“She has been a massive contributor to the team and the club and over the last two seasons, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to coach her and lean on her experience and leadership. There is no doubt she has made me a better coach along the journey.
“She has undoubtedly had a tremendous impact on the game, both on and off the field, whilst playing a role in ensuring that the women’s game moves forward.
“I will always be grateful to have been involved in a very small part of her journey and I look forward to seeing her continue to be a success in the other areas of her life away from football.
“Kim will always be welcome at the club and I wish her the absolute best in her future endeavours.”
