AFLW pioneer and inaugural Fremantle captain Kara Antonio says emotions will be running high when she runs onto Fremantle Oval on Saturday.

Antonio has announced her retirement from AFLW after 46 games in seven seasons with Fremantle.

The Club’s inaugural captain and All Australian in 2017, Antonio led Fremantle in the first five seasons of the AFLW competition.

The 30-year-old announced her retirement to teammates ahead of training on Monday night.

“I’ve cried a few times in front of players and staff in seven years here,” Antonio said.

“Definitely held back the tears and said everything I wanted to say.

“It’s an emotional time, but it’s also a happy time.

“I really want to enjoy the week, celebrate this great game and playing for this great football club.”

Saturday’s farewell clash with Hawthorn will also be Antonio’s first game of the season following hamstring surgery.

She has worked diligently to recover in the past 15 weeks and has paid tribute to Fremantle’s High Performance and Medical teams.

“They’ve been able to push my body to new limits,” Antonio said.

“To get me to a position where I’m able to get back and play - I’m very grateful for that.”

“The hamstring is probably never going to be as good as it was before the injury, but I’m feeling pretty good.

“I’m just ready to have a run around and hopefully finish on a high with four points and hopefully celebrate with the girls on Saturday.”

Antonio’s return could help inspire teammates against Hawthorn just days after wife Ebony Antonio’s emotional comeback in a 14-point win over Sydney.

“I’d just be happy to get the win,” said Antonio.

“I know being the last game and where Hawthorn are on the ladder as well - they’ve got something to prove and so do we - so it is just a normal game of footy with a bit of a special ‘add on’ from our end.

“I know I’ll be doing everything that I can for our team to get the win and if that spurs the girls on, I’m happy for that.”