Short Bio

Libby Birch’s sporting journey is nothing short of remarkable. Originally an elite junior netballer, she made the bold switch to Australian Rules Football and quickly became one of the AFLW’s most decorated players.

A three-time AFLW Premiership winner — with the Western Bulldogs (2018), Melbourne Demons (2022), and North Melbourne (2024) — Libby made history as the first player in AFL/AFLW history to win premierships at three different clubs. She is also a dual AFLW All-Australian (2020, 2022) and the first Victorian player in AFLW history to reach both 50 and 75 games. Today, she continues her career with the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos.

Beyond the field, Libby is a passionate advocate for women’s sport and a strong voice for gender equality in the sporting industry. She is an established media and public speaking professional, engaging audiences across radio, television, and live events with her insight and storytelling.

In 2024, Libby became a published author with Libby’s Footy Adventures — the first AFLW picture book, created to inspire the next generation by showcasing girls playing footy.

Balancing her sporting and media commitments, Libby is also a qualified physiotherapist and respected injury analyst. Her diverse career reflects her drive, resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact on and off the field.

The Journey

Libby Birch is a highly skilled athlete who has carved an impressive career in AFLW, a journey that began in an unexpected way. In 2016, with the AFLW set to debut the following year, Libby received a call from Daisy Pearce that would change her life. After several attempts from Daisy to convince her, Libby eventually agreed to explore the idea of switching codes. Having never kicked a football or played the game, Libby was starting from scratch. But with the support of Daisy, she borrowed a pair of Daisy's old boots and began her AFLW journey by joining Darebin Football Club midway through the 2016 season. In a remarkable debut, Libby helped Darebin win the VFLW Premiership that same year.

Before football, Libby had an impressive career in netball. She captained Victoria at the National Netball Championships, was a member of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), and had several stints in Australian Netball Squads at the AIS. Her athleticism and work ethic translated seamlessly into football, and after just half a season with Darebin, Libby was selected as a Rookie by the Western Bulldogs for the inaugural AFLW season in 2017. She played in every game of the season, an extraordinary feat for someone so new to the game.

At the end of her first AFLW season, Libby returned to Darebin to continue developing her skills. Once again, Darebin were dominant in the VFLW, and Libby played a key role in their second successive Premiership in 2017. She was then upgraded to the Western Bulldogs' Senior List for the 2018 season, where she truly came into her own, playing a pivotal role in the Bulldogs' AFLW Premiership victory.

Libby's 2018 success was not limited to the Premiership. She was nominated for the AFLW All-Australian Squad, received a NAB Rising Star Nomination, and finished fifth in the Bulldogs’ Best & Fairest. Her 2019 season was another strong one, finishing fifth in the Best & Fairest again despite the team's struggles. At the end of the season, Libby made the difficult decision to leave the Bulldogs and join Melbourne during the AFLW Trade Period.

At Melbourne, Libby reached new heights in her game. In 2020, she solidified her place in the Demons' backline and delivered dominant performances that earned her All-Australian honors, along with nominations for the AFLPA MVP and Most Courageous awards. She also won the prestigious Melbourne FC Trademark Award, cementing her status as one of the competition’s top defenders. In 2021, Libby was elevated to a leadership role, voted into Melbourne's leadership group by her teammates and staff. However, despite their best efforts, the Dees fell short in the preliminary final against Adelaide, missing out on a Grand Final appearance.

Libby returned to her peak form in 2022, earning her second All-Australian selection. She played a central role in Melbourne’s defense alongside Sarah Allen, anchoring the backline at full-back. Despite Melbourne's heartbreak in the Grand Final against Adelaide, Libby’s individual performances were outstanding, ranking second in the league for intercept possessions. That season ended on a high note, as the Demons claimed their first AFLW Premiership in Season 8.

After a challenging Season 9, Libby ventured into new territory, signing a three-year deal with the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos. Her move was a reflection of the high demand for her skills across the league, marking a fresh chapter in her illustrious career.

North Melbourne

After injuring her MCL in the preseason, Libby Birch proved to be exactly what North Melbourne needed following their Grand Final loss the previous year. While Birch didn't necessarily set the stat sheet on fire in 2024, there are few players who can fit seamlessly into a premiership-winning side as she did.

The seasoned defender made the move to Arden Street after five seasons with Melbourne and three at the Western Bulldogs, becoming yet another high-profile trade for the Roos.

In North Melbourne's star-studded line-up, Birch quickly looked right at home, playing in all 14 matches this season. She was selected by her peers straight into North Melbournes leadership group. Her experience proved invaluable, especially when Roos captain Emma Kearney went down with a hamstring injury midway through the year. Birch stepped up, offering leadership and steadiness to North’s defensive unit. Read more about Libby’s Journey from The Dees to the Roos here.

At 27, Birch made history as the first AFL/AFLW player to win a premiership with three different clubs—a remarkable achievement that’s unlikely to be repeated anytime soon.

Off-Field

Off the field, Libby’s dedication to her career as a physiotherapist is equally impressive. She completed her Master’s Degree in Physiotherapy at La Trobe University in 2020, balancing the demands of professional sport with her academic ambitions. Libby also serves as an ambassador for several brands, including Rebel Sport and Asics Australia. Her resilience and drive have made her an inspiring motivational speaker, captivating audiences both in the corporate world and beyond with her remarkable journey.

Libby is now also a published author, having created Libby’s Footy Adventures — the first children’s picture book to showcase girls playing footy.

Libby Birch is more than just a force in the sporting world. She is a compassionate, driven individual who uses her platform to make a positive impact across various aspects of society. Whether on the field or off, her determination, leadership, and commitment to mental health make her a standout role model for all.