The AFL community is mourning the tragic death of former Geelong VFLW player Brittany McLaughlin after she passed away this week. McLaughlin played in Geelong’s VFLW side in 2022 – the level below the AFLW.
She’s spent the last four years playing local footy for St Mary’s sporting club in Geelong. The club revealed the devastating news this week, writing: “St Mary’s Sporting Club is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Brittany McLaughlin and wishes to extend our condolences to Britt’s family, friends and teammates.
Brittany McLaughlin played for Geelong’s VFLW side and a number of local clubs in the area. Image: St Mary’s Sporting Club/Port Melbourne
“Britt joined St Mary’s in 2022 and immediately became a part of our family. Britt’s love for her club and her teammates was evident and infectious. She had the biggest heart and would always check in on her teammates, on and off the field, often putting their needs ahead of her own.
“She has been awarded both most determined and players player, an award which is voted by her teammates. Britt was a club person through and through. You would find her in the canteen, helping at Auskick, selling raffle tickets at Ham and Crownies, helping behind the bar and organising social events for both the senior women and the club.
“We were all so lucky to have known Britt. She will be so missed by all of us at St Mary’s.”
St Mary’s senior women’s teams opted not to play games this weekend as a mark of respect. McLaughlin also played for Caulfield Grammarians in the Victorian Amateur Football Association, as well as Port Melbourne Colts and Craigieburn.
AFL Barwon, the governing body for community footy in the Geelong and greater Barwon region, wrote on social media: “Our thoughts are with Brittany’s family, friends, teammates and all members of the St Mary’s Sporting Club during this incredibly difficult time. Brittany’s passing will be felt deeply across the local football community, and we acknowledge the significant impact this has had on those closest to her.”
Caulfield Grammarians wrote: “Brittany spent time with Caulfield in 2021, where she made a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of playing alongside her. Although her time at the club was cut short by injury, she is remembered for her positivity, warmth and ability to lift up those around her.”
While Port Melbourne wrote: “We pass on our condolences to all of her teammates and those that knew her during this time – our VFL and VFLW teams will be wearing black arms bands in her memory next week.”
Readers seeking support and information can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.