Hawthorn VFLW premiership player Steph Carroll says her wife Meg Hutchins has plenty more to give the sport of women's football.

Hutchins announced her retirement this week after an incredibly decorated career that stretches back to 2003.

Carroll says, while Hutchins' on-field career may be coming to a close, her effect on the game still had chapters yet to be written. 

Meg Hutchins calls time on her decorated career

"I obviously knew she was probably going to finish this year so it wasn't so much of a surprise for me," Carroll said. 

"It's been a long career that she has had and I think she's had a lot of influence on women's football and she's had a big impact on my journey and pathway through women's football as well.

"She is going to leave a great legacy behind as a player but I think it is the right time for her to move into non-playing life where I think she still has a lot to offer.

"She finishes her story as a player but I don't think she finishes her involvement or influence by any stretch."

Carroll suggested Hutchins could be found anywhere from an AFLW commentary box, to a football administration role or even join her in the coaching caper in the future. 

Carroll joined the Hawthorn VFLW coaching panel in 2020, with this season giving her her first real taste of coaching as the side's development coach.

She says she has relished the opportunity to see the game from a different perspective as she transitions away from her playing days.

"Hawthorn is a great club to be involved with, the club is really supportive off-field in terms of the opportunities they can provide us with.

"So, coming from being a player, that has made it a bit easier as I already know the club and the various players. 

"The coaching group I've been able to work with has been a really good experience for me in terms of being able to learn from them."