'Heart wrenching scenes': GWS Giants players break down during emotional Jacinda Barclay tribute
GWS Giants players have struggled to fight back tears during an emotional tribute to their late teammate Jacinda Barclay prior to the team's AFLW opener.
Players from both GWS and Fremantle observed in a minute's silence in memory of Barclay, who tragically died in October last year.
In addition to the minute's silence, each Giants player had Barclay's old number, 34, on the back of their playing jerseys.
Barclay's sudden death sent shockwaves through the Australian sporting world, with tributes even flowing in from the US where she played American football.
"A beautiful tribute, heart wrenching scenes," AFLW commentator Ben Waterworth said during Fox Sports' coverage.
GWS Giants players huddle prior to the AFLW season opener against Fremantle on Sunday AP
"Really hard to watch players like Erin McKinnon and Bec Beeson. It's been a tough pre-season for the Giants but Jacinda's passing just puts it all in perspective."
"As a past teammate of Cinda's I was lucky enough to have a front-row seat to the impact she had on the entire Giants community," ex-AFLW player Alex Saundry added.
"She was known for her strength, passion, charisma and loyalty and certainly knew how to get the group up an about.
"Her loss has left a giant hole in the whole Giants community and I'm sure what the girls do today and continue to do off-field will truly make her and her family proud."
