Tuesday, 22 October 2019:

MOANA HOPE of the Kangaroos celebrates scoring a goal during the NAB AFLW match between the Fremantle Dockers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Fremantle Oval in Fremantle, Australia.

Former marquee player Moana Hope won't feature in the 2020 AFLW season after she withdrew her nomination for the league's national draft.

Citing family and mental health reasons, the former Collingwood and North Melbourne forward announced she was taking her name out of the talent pool shortly before the start of Tuesday's draft meeting at Melbourne Showgrounds.

"After plenty of deliberating and reflecting with my family, I've decided to withdraw from the AFLW draft and take a year off," Hope wrote on Instagram.

"Since I was a little girl I've loved footy.

"Passion and love for the game has been what's always fuelled me, but the last few seasons have taken a real toll on my mental health.

"It's time to take a step back from the game for now and focus on my family."

After starring at VFLW level, Hope featured prominently in marketing efforts by the fledgling AFLW and Collingwood before and during the inaugural 2017 season.

However, she was unable to find the same form in two seasons with the Magpies or with the Kangaroos, who delisted her after one season.

Hope, 31, plans to rekindle her stalled career in the VFLW next season and is hopeful a third AFLW club will throw her a lifeline in 2021.

"I will get myself right both mentally and physically to pull on the boots in VFL 2020 and hopefully if all goes well I'll be back out in an AFLW jumper soon after," she continued.

"To all the little girls and boys who follow me, don't worry this isn't the end, this is just the beginning.

"I want to wish all of today's draftees the best of luck ... I hope all your dreams come true."

AAP