Richmond AFLW deputy vice-captain Lauren Tesoriero has announced her retirement from the AFLW competition.

The tough midfielder played 15 AFLW games across three seasons, including four for the Tigers in their inaugural season.

The 33-year-old spent her first two seasons at Collingwood, which included playing in the first ever AFLW match against Carlton, before crossing over to Richmond for the 2018 VFLW season.

In November that year, she was appointed as the Club’s first ever women’s recruiter.

While she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament playing for the VFLW Tigers last June, she opted to forgo surgery in a bid to play for Richmond’s maiden AFLW side and was chosen with the Tigers’ final draft pick (No. 96). 

Richmond’s Head of Women’s Football Kate Sheahan thanked Tesoriero for her on-field service, and said the Club was fortunate to have her remain a part of the Richmond Women's program through her recruiting role. 

"Lauren has been a wonderful contributor to our AFLW program throughout our inaugural season, and an exceptional leader," Sheahan said.

"She is a much-loved and respected teammate, and showed incredible courage in playing her final season without an ACL.

"We know she will contribute significantly to our program moving forward and we love having her on our team on or off the field."