Tara Murray
Ellie Blackburn will again lead the Western Bulldogs in the AFLW, named captain for the fifth season.
The three-time All Australian and four-time club champion was first appointed skipper in 2020, after serving as co-captain in 2019 and stand-in skipper for the team’s 2018 flag.
Blackburn will be supported by elevated joint vice-captains Kirsty Lamb and Bailey Hunt, who have both been part of the leadership group for the past five and three seasons respectively, and newly-inducted members Deanna Berry and Gabby Newton.
“To have not only a player, but a person like Ellie, continue as captain for a fifth season shows just how much the program values and respects her,” coach Nathan Burke said.
“She epitomises the values of our club, drives our standards and always puts the team first whether that’s on or off the field.
“It’s also really pleasing to see Lamby and Bailey formally recognised as co-vice captains – the way they have gone about their AFLW careers to date sets a great example for our playing group.
“De and Gabby have grown with confidence as leaders over the past few seasons, so being able to formally induct them into the group is great reward for them both too.”
The Bulldogs have also introduced an inaugural emerging leaders group comprising of Jess Fitzgerald, Issy Grant and Issy Pritchard, to acknowledge and foster the team’s young and developing leaders.
Burke said they had decided to implement an emerging leaders group based on how close the voting was this season, and also to help these young leaders develop their qualities and skills even further.
“We’re in a pretty fortunate position, where we have so many players with great leadership abilities,” he said.
“Having a formal leadership title can be seen as an added responsibility for these eight players, but I have no doubts they will all flourish. The group is a great mix of experience and knowledge, which we believe will bring the best out of our team this season.”
