Kate Darby is a proud mum to almost five-year-old Ella and a recently retired AFLW trailblazer, having been an inaugural player for both the Geelong Cats and Carlton Blues.

Across her career she played 59 AFLW games and 40 VFLW games, earning a reputation as a passionate leader on and off the field.

Beyond football, Kate has made a powerful impact in the community.

She is a Peace of Mind and Ocean Mind Ambassador, a five-time GFC Community Champion, and the 2025 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award winner — recognition that reflects her ongoing commitment to inclusion, connection, and giving back.

Kate reflects:

Through some opportunities at the Geelong football club, I was lucky enough to meet Emily Cooke a few years ago. Emily is a strong and inspirational young woman who is currently undergoing treatment for brain cancer and who has a closer relationship with the Peace of Mind Foundation due to the support they've provided her and her family over the years. Thanks to this friendship and connection I have been fortunate enough to learn how incredible the work of Peace of Mind is. I feel strongly about supporting to raise much needed awareness and funds to allow them to continue to support those in need.

Myself and my almost 5-year-old daughter, Ella, will both be participating in the Challenge again this year and I can't wait to discuss all the ways we can be involved and see which activity she would like to do daily for our 'Your Way in May' Challenge. 

Post my career in the AFLW I am so glad I am able to continue this special connection with Peace of Mind, and through that and my new direction of Coaching and Public Speaking I hope to still be able to have a positive impact on the community wherever I can.

Since meeting Emily Cooke a number of years ago, Kate has come to appreciate just how remarkable Peace of Mind’s work is, and she has remained eager to stay involved and support the organisation in any way she can.