Essendon midfielder and much-loved leader Bess Keaney has been placed on the club’s inactive list for the 2025 AFLW season, after sharing the exciting news of her pregnancy with the playing group this week.
After joining the Bombers from Gold Coast in the 2023 Trade Period, Keaney quickly established herself as a leader amongst the playing group, earning the respect and admiration from her teammates and coaches in a short period of time.
In her first season in the red and black, she played a key role in guiding the team to a Finals appearance and delivered one of her most impressive statistical seasons to date, that same year, she reached and celebrated a significant career milestone, her 50th AFLW game.
GM of AFLW, Aysha Ward congratulated Keaney on her announcement.
“We are so happy for Bess and Lucas as they announce this exciting news and wish them all the best in this next chapter.”
“We’re incredibly grateful for the contribution Bess has made to our playing group since joining the Bombers and we now look forward to the new role Bess will continue to play off the field.”
Keaney joins Emily Gough on the inactive list for 2025 after Gough sustained an ACL injury last month.
Essendon will look to fill both AFLW list spots in the coming weeks.
