Inaugural Fremantle Dockers AFLW forward Ashley Sharp has announced she will step away from football to focus on her young family. 
 
Following the birth of son Spencer in November 2021, Sharp returned to training with Fremantle’s AFLW squad in 2022 and remained on the Club’s inactive list for Seasons 6 and 7. 
 
“I’m grateful to Fremantle for giving me my first opportunity to play the game I love professionally and for supporting me throughout the birth of my son,” said Sharp. 
 
“Since being on maternity leave I’ve realised my priority is currently spending as much time as possible with my son and family and potentially making a return to professional football down the track.” 
 
Fremantle’s third selection at pick no.20 in the 2016 AFLW Draft, Sharp quickly developed into a key target in attack and debuted in the Club’s historic first game against the Western Bulldogs in 2017. 
 
Sharp played every game in her debut season and earned a Rising Star nomination after scoring three goals in the round three clash against Greater Western Sydney. 
 
Now 25 years of age, Sharp will press pause on her AFLW career with Fremantle after playing 34 games and kicking 25 goals. 
 
Fremantle Head of AFLW Bob Murphy paid tribute to Sharp as a trailblazer for the team. 
 
“Ashley was an integral part of Fremantle’s women’s program for the first five seasons and that wasn’t always an easy time for the side,” Murphy said. 
 
“She became a reliable target in the forward half and had the ability to spark players around her. 
 
“We wish Ashley and her family all the best and would love to see her return to the game she loves in the future.”